After two-months of working together to solve high-level math problems, the advanced students from Bedford Heights Elementary participated in the finals for the 2nd annual Explore Horizons Young Mathematicians’ Award this week at the Explore Horizons Tutoring and Enrichment Center in Colleyville.
Thomas Haak, James Kebaso, Allison Alcala, and Abby Eads from Bedford Heights Elementary competed against teams from Binion Elementary, River Trails Elementary, Spicer Elementary, and Richardson Classical Academy in the final challenge. A total of 18 schools representing six area school districts and two charter schools competed in the math competitions held throughout North Texas over the past two months.
The competition encourages students to collaborate using advanced problem solving abilities to answer applied math problems. Each problem is designed to help build the skills necessary to apply mathematical concepts to real world problems in students looking to pursue a future in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
“We are very proud of all the students who participated. This competition is designed to help gifted and talented young students work together to solve advanced math problems and build the skills necessary to succeed in high school, college and even future careers in STEM fields,” said Belinda Southgate, Head of U.S. Marketing for Explore Horizons. “It is inspiring to see the motivation and genuine enthusiasm of each team as they work together through each step of the high-level problem. All teams demonstrated fantastic perseverance, critical-thinking and dedication and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves!”
The goal of this competition is to encourage students to continue to learn outside of the classroom by applying innovative problem solving skills not taught within the traditional school curriculum to situations they may encounter in a future STEM career. Utilizing these key skills gives children and schools an opportunity to stretch talented young minds beyond the classroom to prepare them for their futures.