It is an mathematics initiative that began in Alberta around 1997. Mike Dumanski, a highschool prinicipal, approached Andy Liu and asked if there was any way that math problems and puzzles could be incorportated in schools. And then SNAP Math Fairs were born!
As a teacher, the way I did math fairs with my schools, was I assigned a recreational math problem to partners or groups. The kids would solve the puzzle, rewrite the puzzle into a Theme that had been chosen for the Math Fair event, and then build a project that's major component was the model to help someone solve the problem. Then the night of the Math Fair Event, everyone would try to solve everyone else's projects. It was brilliant! Kids doing math for a real purpose, to a real audience! And they had so much fun! And they were improving their problem solving skills!
If you want to check out our website, go to www.mathfair.com
It was this year at Banff that I was honoured when I was invited to be a part of the Board of Directors for SNAP. Bill (in the picture with me) is also a Board member. This is why when I decided to work for ThinkFun that it was a great fit for all my passions. I knew that he would be sympathetic to the work I needed to continue to do for SNAP. Before, when I was working for my board teaching, it was very difficult to get time to do conferences for SNAP. Now, it's a part of what I do!
After the Banff conference, the group took me to see Lake Louise. It was breath-taking! I really enjoyed doing something social with this group. I admire them all so much!
Above is Tiina Hohn, me, Andy Liu, Ted Lewis and Mr. Sun.
For the Banff conference, you have the opportunity to bring your spouses. (I have not yet convinced Chris to join me, hanging out all weekend doing math puzzles just doesn't appeal to him!) Above is Ted and his wife, Vivian. And Tiina and her husband.
No comments:
Post a Comment