Math Competitions

'Tis the season to think about math competitions!  I have a student who really enjoys math and solving challenging problems.  (I also have students who are surviving math, and not so into it.)  Over that last few years I have attended several math competitions, and the following are two that I recommend for high school students.

OCTM (Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics) has a state-wide competition.  Here is place to find more information.  

The American Mathematics Association offers the AMC 10/12.  This is a 25 question 75 minute exam.    The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are the gateways to bigger AMA competitions including the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics  Exams), USAMO or USAJMO (USA Mathematical Olympiad or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad). 

A great way to prepare for the AMC 8, 10 or 12 is by using  a program called Achievable. This link takes you to their program.  This program also does a great job explaining how the AMC tests work. AMC scores are asked for by many top colleges.  This program will help you achieve a better score.   

These tests are not as easy to get into as home educators, but it is possible.  The easiest thing to do in the state of Ohio is to try to take it at a college.  Below are places that gave the test last year.  It might be worth it to write them if you are interested.  You can request to take it at a location of your choice but you must have a proctor not related to any student, have the test in a public location, and be approved by the American Mathematics Association. 

	Clark State Community College 570 East Leffel Lane Springfield, OH 45505 United States	Kanesha Hall hallk@clarkstate.edu (937)215-2926
	ST IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL 1911 W 30TH ST CLEVELAND, OH 44113-3401 United States	Jon Barker jbarker@ignatius.edu 216-651-0222
	The Ohio State University, Department of Mathematics 100 Math Tower 231 West 18th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210 United States	Aurel Stan stan.7@osu.edu 419-961-6088
	University of Findlay 1000 N Main St Findlay, OH 45840 United States	Aaron blodgett@findlay.edu 419-422-8313

Veteran's Day Resources

Today is Veterans Day!  This is a great day to share with our students about veterans and how veterans have served our country and each of us.

I have gathered a few helpful resources and books to share with you.  The Medal of Honor Heritage Center has many great resources on those who received the medal of honor.  The Scholastic Teacher site has great information on Veterans Day and includes lesson plans, books, and many wonderful resources.

Below are some books I like that you might enjoy as well.  If you click on them it will take you to their Amazon page.  Further down is a short video on Veterans from USAA, an insurance company for veterans and their families.  I found it very moving, and a nice overview of Veterans for all ages.

Video from USAA:

To all our veterans I want to say: Thank you for serving!