September 7, 2008
CHILDREN CLAMOUR FOR MORE MATHS!
In an Australian first, 330 Melbourne students took part in the 24® Challenge Maths Tournament held across three days last week. Despite being a renowned event in the US for 20 years, this was the first time Australian students experienced the event, based on the highly successful 24® Game. This mathematical meteorite exploded in Victoria with its full effects being noticed at Scienceworks on Tuesday 2nd September and subsequently through the generosity of Monash University on 3rd & 4th September.
Students from approximately ninety Government, Independent & Catholic schools competed in the first 24®Challenge Mathematics tournaments as part of National Literacy and Numeracy week, sponsored by the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and Brainy Days – suppliers of toys & games to challenge and extend young minds.
Semi-finalists battle it out (L-R)
Jasper Chen-Livingston Primary, Isaac Vanrossen-Mountain
District Christian School, Michelle Huang-Parkmore Primary,
Nethmi Ekanalyake-Clayton Primary
As children from various schools assembled, eager to test their skills against others, there was a buzz of anticipation. Three separate age groups competed - Years 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. All students played two rounds. Semi-finalists won a bronze medal and finalists a silver medal. The winner from each region won the Champion trophy for his/her age group.
The 24® Game involves making the number 24 using all four numbers on a card. The player must use all 4 numbers but use each only once. The winner must touch the card first and promptly state 3 steps needed to produce 24. Many teachers commented on the high level of interest and excitement in maths created when children started using the cards. Educators have been struggling with the goal of increasing the level of proficiency and interest in maths amongst Australian students. Consequently the 24® Game and 24® Challenge has been eagerly embraced.
Year 5/6 Finalists feel the pressure (L-R)
Maria Koulaginis-Caulfield Junior, Hannah James-Crisp-
All Hallows Primary, Damon McCormack-Oakwood Park
Primary.
A recent study of 16,000 children in the USA and the United Kingdom found that the best predictor of later learning was "knowledge of numbers and ordinality”. This was more significant than reading ability and even trumped attention skills. The focus of the 24® Game is on providing solid grounding on the method behind the maths, giving further study in maths or science a solid foundation.
Brainy Days is the sole distributor of the 24® Game series which spans years 2 – 10.
More information can be obtained by contacting:
Brainy Days
info@24game.com.au
June 20,2008
Forest Hill College paves the way for maths excellence
Selling the message that maths is fun
Forest Hill College hosted a local region 24® Game Maths tournament on Wednesday 18th June 2008. 130 students, drawn from Year 7 at the College and Grades 5 and 6 from seven surrounding primary schools, played off in the challenging tournament which focused on skills in problem solving and number fact recall. The Forest Hill project is part of the refocussed Innovations and Excellence initiative in which schools across the State have been provided with teaching and learning coaches whose brief is to work with maths and science teachers to explore ways of building students capacity in both disciplines. Jack Shen from Forest Hill College was named champion of the Year 7 category and Chris Wei from Burwood East Primary, champion of the Year 5/6 category. Awards were presented by Kirstie Marshall OAM.
Whether we like it or not we live in a mathematical world and it is therefore vital that all children leave school confident in their ability to use maths. Of course many will need mastery of more complex maths for future careers as carpenters, engineers, nurses, surveyors, accountants or scientists. Teachers have always known that despite their efforts significant numbers of students leave school lacking confidence in maths or with a vague lingering dread of the subject.