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2021 Math Olympiad: Public Works Challenge
2020-2021 has brought on so many challenges, but these challenges have opened our eyes to the importance of community and giving back. That is why Public Works is the theme of our JEI Math Olympiad this year. Our annual math competition is back with a makeover that gives children a chance to see how they can impact the world on a greater scale. This year, we are opening it up to both JEI and non-JEI students all over the country, but the biggest change is the format of this year’s contest.
Why the change? Life may give your child a series of tests, but those of the sit-down variety tend to end with graduation. However, JEI Learning Center is all about lifelong learning and long-term planning. We wish the best for our students for years after they graduate from our programs. For that reason, we have prepared a new type of math competition that centers on the real-life application of everything children learned over the years, from calculations to research analysis. Each division will receive a problem for which they must find and present a solution backed by facts and numbers. This gives them a chance to test out what they learned in an invigorating way so the next time they ask in class, “When will I use this?” it comes from a place of excitement rather than discontent.
With this year’s JEI Math Olympiad: Public Works Challenges, we want to encourage and challenge students to take math to the next level. Some ways this may benefit your child is by…
Combining your child’s hard and soft skills
This is a great opportunity for strong and weak test takers alike to shine a bright spotlight on their other capabilities. This type of math project is the perfect blend of technical skills, like calculating percentages, and soft skills, like creative thinking and time management. Both are important for ensuring successful futures, but the traditional education system with its focus on tests generally forego the latter.
Exposing your child’s weaknesses and strengths
While it is of course important to know what your child still needs to work on regarding math and other areas of their education, it is also important to discover where their strengths lie. For example, parents may believe that their child is not a strong student based on test scores, but they may realize through this competition that their child’s strengths lie not in test taking but in originality and project management. A thorough rubric will analyze and inform parents and students on what was done well.
Rewarding the best of the best with cash prizes and national recognition
We believe in rewarding our students for their endeavors. That’s why the best of the best submissions per division will receive cash prizes! There will be four divisions divided by grades:
Division I - 2nd to 3rd grade
Division II - 4th to 5th grade
Division III - 6th to 7th grade
Division IV - 8th to 9th grade
For each division, third place will receive $100, second $150, and first $250. On top of that, they will be recognized nationwide and their project may be featured on our site!
Showing the importance of community involvement
The theme this year is Public Works Challenges. JEI wants to show all children how one major way to apply what they learned is to give back to their community. The research and the work they put into finding a solution will instill in them grit and a sense of responsibility that is greater than themselves. This is a wonderful experience that will show them they can make a positive change in the world if they apply their time and talent. It’s an effective reminder of why education is so important.
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Ready to register for this unique and rewarding opportunity for your child?
Here are the important dates to keep in mind:
Registration opens on March 14. Once you register, you will receive the prompt for each division from the center where you registered your child.
Participants will have until April 30 to submit their final projects.
Winners will be announced on June 1.
All you need to do is find a center near you to register your child in this new type of math competition. It’s FREE to enter for active JEI students and $20 for non-JEI students.
We are excited to see what your child comes up with and how they grow from this experience. Best of luck!