McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
McNeese State University’s Department of Mathematical Sciences received a grant from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) for Rowdy’s Math Rodeo, an interactive mathematics exhibit aimed at teaching students in kindergarten through high school about advanced mathematics through play.
“Mathematics is a place where art and science meet,” explained Dr. Haile Gilroy, assistant professor and freshman math coordinator. “It requires logic and precision, but also creativity, curiosity and imagination.”
The funding is through a MAA Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grant provided by the Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation. These grants sponsor projects that support math enrichment for middle and high school students.
“In Southwest Louisiana, strong mathematics education is especially important because it gives students of all ages the tools to understand problems, think critically and create solutions for the communities they call home,” Gilroy expressed.
More than 2,500 students across Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis and Vernon parishes have participated in Rowdy’s Math Rodeo, with the largest group being at the Thunder Over Louisiana Airshow.
There are over 10 activities designed or sourced that teach concepts from college-level mathematics including combinatorics, geometry, graph theory, logic and topology. This exhibit has nine mathematical sciences faculty volunteers as well as nine student volunteers ranging from engineering and statistics to computer science and biology majors.
Tristan Salinas, instructor of mathematical sciences at McNeese, worked with a student for over an hour trying to solve a puzzle. “I asked if he wanted some help solving and he said no, showing pure determination,” said Salinas. “Eventually, he figured it out and we both got really excited. He was almost in shock when I told him that he had just done math, as math isn’t something that a student enjoys.”
Gilroy said, “We help students see mathematics as something they can explore and enjoy rather than simply a subject they have to get through. We are not only preparing them for careers in STEM, but we are also building confidence, opening doors and investing in the future of our region.”
She added, “Rather than offering a standard presentation, we work with schools on a case-by-case basis to give them a more personalized experience. This ensures that we are able to meet each school’s unique needs including those schools with rural and low-income students and student populations where English is a second language.”
“The Math Rodeo offers much more than logic and math problem-solving skills,” explained Jennifer Melancon, instructor of mathematical sciences at McNeese. “It builds character and confidence in the developing minds of children, helping to shape the way they approach any problem in class or in life, and I am so happy to be a part of it!”
There are dates available for the spring semester for Rowdy’s Math Rodeo. For more information, visit the Rowdy’s Math Rodeo website at https://sites.google.com/view/rowdysmathrodeo/home.
