Fox Cities News

More than 1,000 middle and high school students from 57 Wisconsin schools recently gathered at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) for the sixth annual Mathematical Problem-Solving Contest. Among them were students from Cochrane-Fountain City High School, who traveled 190 miles to participate in the event, led by their dedicated math teacher, Lindsey Johnson.

"The way I look at it, if the students want to do math, then heck, I’ll drive them," Johnson expressed, emphasizing her commitment to supporting her students' passion for mathematics.

Throughout the day, students engaged in individual and team competitions, focusing on honing their problem-solving skills. Lindsey Heinz, a teacher at J.R. Gerritts Middle School, highlighted the importance of critical thinking for her students, stating, "I hope what my students got out of today’s competition is how powerful their thinking is."

Meanwhile, 8th-grade student Kaylee Behnke from J.R. Gerritts Middle School shared her enthusiasm for math, expressing a desire to pursue a career that challenges her intellect and allows her to make a positive impact on others. "I would like to do something that would challenge me, like math does," Behnke remarked.

Eric Kuennen, a math professor at UW Oshkosh, found joy in observing students collaborate during the team competitions. "They’re standing, talking to each other, they’re arguing," Kuennen described, highlighting the engaging nature of the event he spearheaded.

Kuennen emphasized the value of problem-solving skills, noting that mathematics is not just about content knowledge but also about the ability to think critically and creatively. He aimed to provide students with a glimpse into the diverse fields that STEM education can lead to, encouraging them to explore the possibilities that a math major can offer.

The UWO Mathematical Problem-Solving Contest aimed to inspire young students to appreciate the power of their thinking abilities and foster a love for problem-solving. Through engaging activities and competitions, participants were encouraged to explore the world of mathematics and its applications in various fields.