Boyce sixth graders compete at MATHCOUNTS
A team of Boyce Middle School sixth graders finished ninth among a field of 21 teams at the recent Pittsburgh area MATHCOUNTS competition at A.W. Beattie Career Center in Allison Park. In individual competition, Alex Todd ranked 24th out of 151 participants.
In addition to Alex, other members of the team included Carter Chui, Maya Leyzarovich and Carter McClintock-Comeaux. Coached by Kathy Hoedeman, math resource teacher, students prepared by watching MATHCOUNTS Minis, videos prepared specifically to teach problem solving strategies, and completing many MATHCOUNTS warm ups and workouts.
“Knowing they would be competing against many elite eighth grade mathematicians, this committed group of sixth graders prepared by solving lots of problems,” Mrs. Hoedeman said. “Though they did not take home any trophies or medals, this outstanding performance by students so young is a real testament to their drive and persistence as well as to the depth of their knowledge.”
According to its website, MATHCOUNTS provides engaging math programs to U.S. middle school students of all ability levels in order to build confidence and improve attitudes towards math and problem solving. The Pittsburgh area MATHCOUNTS event was sponsored by the local chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers.