Competition Math

[sportsmom]

I've noticed that several of you have referenced different math competitions, and I've been trying to do some research on them, but have found that the websites (Math Counts/Math Kangaroo) have very little information that I've found helpful.  It seems that none of the websites that I've visited are written with anyone new to math competitions in mind.  Or perhaps they expect most people to be referred by a teacher/school who has more information...

 

Either way, I'm feeling a little lost and over my head.  DS is very interested in starting, but I have no idea how to go about getting him started.  Would anyone be willing to give me a quick overview of what I need to know or how I can find a local group to pair him up with?

 

I did email the local Coordinator for Math Counts, but she didn't give me much information, other than to let me know that he is eligible to compete as an individual in the Fall and she requested my address so that I can get the packet of information when they are mailed out in September.

 

Are there other good competitions that we could look into (there are no Math Kangaroo centers near me - closest is about 3 hours away with traffic - at least according to their list) and what should we be doing to get him ready?

 

 

[desertflower]

How old is your child and what math program or supplements are you doing now?

 

I think those info may help us guide you. At least for me. Lol

 

But your child may be older than my oldest and then my info may not be helpful.

[sportsmom]

DS is 10 and this year he completed Abeka 4 and Saxon 54.  Neither were even remotely challenging for him.  We are strongly considering "testing" him through Saxon 65 over the summer and then working our way though Saxon 76 before moving on to AoPS PA. 

[desertflower]

Here's a thread that might be helpful to you  http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/549442-prepairing-for-olympiad-math/?do=findComment&comment=6315517

 

I know in the title it says math olympiad, but the poster meant math kangaroo.  In addition to the books Gil listed, I just bought this one:  http://www.amazon.com/Math-Circles-Elementary-School-Students/dp/1470416956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432521256&sr=8-1&keywords=math+circles+for+elementary Math Circle for elementary students.  Perhaps there is one for middle schoolers as well?

 

Also, I don't know if you know this, but Richard Rusczyk (the founder of AOPS) had a free seminar from the WTM summer sessions.  It's recorded.  He made a reference to math competition and the progression of math at AOPS. 

 

Perhaps someone else will chime in with more info. 

 

Hth!

[Brad S]

Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School (MOEMS), MATHCOUNTS and the American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8) are the three national competitions to start at your student's age. All three have their own websites, and the links in the previous sentence take you to their main page or program description page. Some other websites refer to these contests, but these third party websites' content changes from time to time. AOPS.com has books to prepare for the contests, organized by contest, though there are a lot of common topics across the three competitions.

[Dmmetler]

If you can get enough kids together, you can order the free Math Club in a box from Math Counts, even if your DS is the only one who will actually participate (although I still have hopes of a team this year). It's great! Be aware that your DS only can do MathCounts when he is officially in 6th-8th grade, so if he's registered in 5th next year, just play with it and wait :) (trust me, ALL the kids in those competitions tend to be doing math way above age/grade level, although usually it's supplemental. That's one reason why DD10 loves doing math competitions, even though she isn't able to prepare for them enough to be competitive anymore-it's where she meets other kids "like her").

 

Other ones she's done:

Mathnasium Trimathlon-grades 2-6. You have to have a participating Mathnasium franchise location, and there seem to be fewer each year, unfortunately. Free, focused heavily on mental math

 

Continental Math League-grades 2-8, Algebra, Calculus, Computer programming (on paper). 6 monthly rounds, 6 questions each, easier than MOEMS or MathCounts, IMO (you HAVE to have a perfect score to place nationally because there are quite a few of them each year). It reminds me most of the Singapore IP/CWP, where the math skills are at grade level, but the thinking is more advanced, while MOEMS/MathCounts/AMC8 are more like AOPS challenge problems. Very homeschool friendly (and a bonus for young kids-if you register as a homeschooler, you automatically get sent an award for your first place finisher in your "school". Older ones quickly learn that 1/1 doesn't mean much). I use CML for my math club because I can register any kids in grade levels that we don't have enough to form a team as individuals, and they can all do it at the same time, and then, after the papers are collected, talk through their favorite problems together.

 

The World Maths Games are supposed to be back this year, and hopefully so will the regional math challenges. The world games are solely speed/mental math dependent, nothing terribly challenging, but typing speed and computer speed matters. My DD loves the whole thing, but focuses on science because she's simply not fast enough to be in medal contention on math (although she was the top elementary student for our state for the last American Math challenge), while she is potentially so for science. Three day competition, with 50 rounds each of spelling, math, and science (facts only).

 

We've never done Noetic Math League or Purple Comet, but I have both bookmarked to look at again for my math club next year.

[sportsmom]

This is such great information, thank you!   There is a Mathnasium near us, so hopefully they are a participating location.  I'll do some more looking around, this sounds right up his alley.  

 

He's already looking forward to beginning AoPS.  And he was watching Math Counts on youtube for at least an hour last night.

[sportsmom]

This is such great information, thank you!   There is a Mathnasium near us, so hopefully they are a participating location.  I'll do some more looking around, this sounds right up his alley.  

 

He's already looking forward to beginning AoPS.  And he was watching Math Counts on youtube for at least an hour last night.

[daijobu]

Here's my summary of math competitions we've used.  In addition to the prep materials I've described here, you can also prep by using AoPS curriculum materials.  

 

MOEMS

• A monthly math contest with 2 levels (elementary: up to 6th grade, middle school: up to 8th grade)  
• Exams have 5 questions, takes less than a half hour, so you can spend another half hour discussing the exam after it's over.  
• It runs November to March, so you can spend September-October or even the summer doing practice exams as a group if you like.  
• The students get to know each other over the course of the year, and you get awards like trophies, certificates and pins.  We just had our awards party, and it was a lot of fun.  
• Unless you have a very large team, your students are essentially competing as individuals.  
• Generally homeschool friendly, but definitely favors schools, and I've had some minor issues with administrative stuff.  
• Parents are allowed to proctor.  You grade the exams and enter the scores online at their website.  It's easy and fun.  
• Prep using this book of old exams.

 

Math Kangaroo

• An annual exam in March, with a different level for 2 grades.  So Level 2 is for 1st and 2nd grade, Level 8 is for 7-8th grade.  
• It goes all the way up to 12th grade, but is most appropriate for youngest students.  Every student receives a small toy after the exam.  
• Very homeschool friendly, and the folks there are very responsive to my emailed questions.  
• Parents are not allowed to proctor exams, so I've hired a local homeschooled teen, or more recently from TaskRabbit.  Scantrons are mailed to HQ for scoring.  
• Older students with high scores can qualify for math camps in Europe.  
• Old exams are available for sale on their website.  

 

MathCounts

• The biggest most well know math competition for middle school students.  Nationals are televised, so it's kinda a big deal, as far as math goes, like the Scripps Spelling Bee of math.
• Students are allowed 3 years of eligibility, and must be 8th grade or younger.  
• You are on a "team" of  up to 10 students, 6 competing as individuals, and 4 more who compete both as individuals and as a team/group (confusing I know) together.  I can usually recruit about 6 students on our team, a group of 4 and a couple extra individual competitors.  
• Chapter level competitions are in February with top students and teams advancing to state and nationals.  
• We practice weekly before the chapter exam, with a party before chapter competition.  Kids get to know each other really well and it's a lot of fun, even though we've never advanced to state.  
• You do not proctor this exam, but you attend the chapter competition in your area.  
• Old exams are available on their website.

 

AMC8/10/12

• AMC8 is for 8th grade and below, and is admiistered once a year in November.  AMC10/12 for 10th and 12th graders respectively, and happen twice a year in February.  
• It's the oldest and arguably the most prestigious of the math competitions.  (I took these exams when I was in high school, and it was a BIG DEAL at my school.)
• Outstanding performance on the AMC 10 or 12 qualifies you to take the AIME and Olympiads and beyond.  
• Parents aren't allowed to proctor; you must have a librarian or teacher proctor. You mail the scoresheets to HQ to be graded.  They are often offered at local universities or schools.  
• Old exams and solutions are available on the AoPS website.  

 

I'm happy to answer more questions.  We've had great success with each of these programs, and it has enhanced our homeschooling experience.  

 

 

 

 

[chiguirre]

From what I understood from the websites, the only competition middle schoolers can enter as individuals is MathCounts? AMC flat says they prefer public schools and MOEMS requires putting together a team?

 

I don't think I could scrape up 4 middle schoolers for a math team in my area. I'm not really excited to have to put in a lot of volunteer hours for the lukewarm response I'm likely to get.

 

I can sign dd up as an individual for the MathCounts and prep on our own, right? Is there any way to do MOEMS as an individual? Am I correct that that's impossible with AMC?

[Arcadia]

Am I correct that that's impossible with AMC?

Stanford U in my area is hosting the AMC exams for kids whose school isn't participating. Homeschoolers are welcomed too. They do have more demand than supply of seats though.

 

Check the link below for your nearest hosts and also check with your local math circles because there may be others not in the list.

http://amc-reg.maa.org/amc_external/amc_higher_education_sites.aspx?ContestType=AMC8

[daijobu]

From what I understood from the websites, the only competition middle schoolers can enter as individuals is MathCounts? AMC flat says they prefer public schools and MOEMS requires putting together a team?

 

I don't think I could scrape up 4 middle schoolers for a math team in my area. I'm not really excited to have to put in a lot of volunteer hours for the lukewarm response I'm likely to get.

 

I can sign dd up as an individual for the MathCounts and prep on our own, right? Is there any way to do MOEMS as an individual? Am I correct that that's impossible with AMC?

 

I host AMC exams only because it's more convenient than going to the local university.  Thought it is tricky to find an appropriate proctor.  I was lucky that I got to know our children's librarian well enough she agreed to proctor for me.  I don't believe there is anything that prohibits you from having one person take an AMC at your center, though I would call and ask.  

 

In MOEMS there isn't anything in the rules that prohibits a team of one person.  It's just more fun in a group.  I've had teams as small as 3-4 and as many as 12.  

 

MathCounts you can definitely prep and compete as an individual.  

 

I hear ya that it's hard to recruit homeschoolers for math events, and it baffles me because it's such a fun experience.  I know some kids are turned off by competition, but the problem solving skills are so valuable, and having this peer group of mathy students is so nice.  Even when we lose, I don't mind because they've gained such useful skills and good friends.  

[lewelma]

I think you saw me reference math competitions.  We are in a different set

 

BMO British Math Olympiad (levels 1 and 2)

AMO Australian Math Olympiad

APMO Asia-Pacific Math Olympiad

IMO International Math Olympaid

 

The USA has such a large population that it has lots of levels to go through as you move up.  The negative is that it is harder to get to the top.  The positive is that there are contests for every level, and if contests motivate, then having one that is well suited is a good thing.  When my ds first took the BMO at age 13 and was up against 16-19 year olds from the UK, his age did not help his injured feelings when he scored a 1 out of 60.  It would have been pretty nice to have a middle school competition available to enter.

 

So enjoy it!  Each age gives a new level of challenge.

 

Ruth in NZ

[mumto2]

Just wanted to say the day of Mathcounts is much more fun with a team. Where ds competed everyone was given a free tshirt and pizza for lunch. We had non mathy friends on the team who were totally there for day out with their friends with pizza and shirts. What that did was give ds and his mathy friend the opportunity to do the speed rounds (Ciphering???)where they excelled to an almost scary degree. They loved it (and I loved seeing it). Individuals couldn't compete in those. We prepped the serious competitors at home individually but had a couple of group sessions the week before to familiarize the not so serious. Reveiwed some basics. We were really successful. Great experience. I honestly think the most non mathy of the kids had the best time. He loved cheering his friends on and was amazed at how well he actually did...the team got a medal because of him. He was the low score but it was high enough. ;)

 

We did AMC and AIME at one of the math association test sites.....basically local university. Once again positive experience. Easy to sign up online. I liked the fact they were in a strange environment and still did well.

[snowbeltmom]

I can sign dd up as an individual for the MathCounts and prep on our own, right? Is there any way to do MOEMS as an individual? Am I correct that that's impossible with AMC?

 

I sign my kids up to take the AMC by registering my homeschool and having the exams sent to our local library.  The librarian proctors the exams. 

 

[LTBernard]

Other than Kangaroo Math what kinds of competitions are there for a 1st grader (next year) - math or otherwise?

[daijobu]

I've had kids as young as 2nd or 3rd grade in MOEMS although technically it's for 4th-6th grades. With younger kids I'd want to be certain they can sit still and quietly if they finish early.  I've had kids kick their desks, whistle to themselves, and otherwise be distracting to other students.  You also want kids to be zen about low scores.  I've had a younger kid get really, really sad (like I had to call his mom to console him) when he realized he got a problem wrong.  

 

At that age, if they are advanced in math, but maybe not ready for an exam situation, it might be better to do old MOEMS as practice at home.  Or other fun math stuff like card games and Penrose.  

[Dmmetler]

CML starts at 2nd, and an advanced 1st grader could definitely do it (but would need to stay a level ahead from that point). World Maths games (and the American Math Challenge) both begin at K/Reception. The Trimathlon also begins at 2nd, but allows 1st graders to participate-but there hasn't been a site here for 2 years.

[mathnerd]

Other than Kangaroo Math what kinds of competitions are there for a 1st grader (next year) - math or otherwise?

I have seen kindergarteners take the Trimathlon at our local site - they allow it because they want to encourage participation. Same for Kindergarteners in our Math Kangaroo center.

The Russian School of Math contests will allow 1st graders to participate. Dmmetler's list is more comprehensive.

[mathwonk]

As a professional mathematician, and former math competition participant, I suggest progressing away from Saxon asap and on to AOPS.  The level at which Saxon is pitched is not up to succeeding in math competitions in my opinion.  Definitely get some practice taking old tests to avoid a disappointing experience.

[sportsmom]

As a professional mathematician, and former math competition participant, I suggest progressing away from Saxon asap and on to AOPS.  The level at which Saxon is pitched is not up to succeeding in math competitions in my opinion.  Definitely get some practice taking old tests to avoid a disappointing experience.

 

Thanks so much for the insight on this.  He's currently testing his way through Saxon 65 over the summer.  Would you recommend him completing Saxon 76 and then beginning AOPS Pre-Algebra?  This is my current plan.  He didn't do well on the PA pre-test, but he was frustrated that day.  Regardless, I'm not sure if he is currently ready for AOPS PA.

 

Really my thought for completing 65 and 76 with Saxon was to make sure he had all the basics covered before jumping into PA.  My concern is that I won't be able to help him with PA, it's not my strong area and I already have difficulty explaining math to him if he doesn't immediately "get it" just by looking at the example.

 

He completed Saxon 54 in 10 weeks, and is currently on Test 10 (covers through lesson 45) of 65 without needing to consult the textbook material for guidance.

[mathwonk]

I am not a fan of Saxon myself, just the opposite, but I am a big fan of doing whatever works.  So if you are getting good results with Saxon, I say go ahead with it.  On the other hand if it is boring him and not really challenging him at all, I don't so much.  I.e. regardless of my personal opinion based on looking at the materials, I recommend you choose based on how it fits the need you have.  I only have the books to go by, while you have both the books and the student's reaction to them to observe.  To be honest it sounds as if he doesn't hate them, so why not go ahead.  The warning is if he says, "boy this is dull, is all math like this?"

[sportsmom]

We switched to Saxon from Abeka, and he really enjoys Saxon thus far.  It isn't challenging to him, so I'm really having him complete it to "check the box" of having completed that level more than anything.  I'm not sure if he will ever say if it's boring to him, just because that's not typical behavior for him, but he will stop being engaged and make simple mistakes.  I know from trial and error and that's why we are just "testing through" the book instead of doing the lessons.

[Dmmetler]

If you add math competition stuff, you'll also get some extra depth. AOPS isn't the only way to get challenge :)

[sportsmom]

I'm definitely going to be adding it in once the school year hits.  Right now he's taking 2 tests a few days a week and rolling through them.  We are taking it pretty low-key for the summer.

[mathwonk]

Sometimes strong math kids like the pleasure of just sailing through an easier curriculum, and I think that's fine too.  My key is to cue it to what they enjoy.  But every now and then I throw in something new.

 

I think I just grasped that you are not actually boring him with the repetitious lessons but testing instead.  That's something different.

 

Have you looked at Euler's book Elements of Algebra?  It is free and was written by one of the greatest mathematicians in

 

history for his butler,who was fairly innocent of math,  If your kid can do those problems then no worries.

 

https://archive.org/details/elementsofalgebr00eule

[sportsmom]

mathwonk - He did complete the full book of Saxon 54 (even numbers only), but with 65 he is just testing through.  Unsure of how we plan to proceed with 76, probably will depend on how easily he can test through 65, if that makes sense.  He's a perfectionist, so for him getting 100% is the most important part - which is something we have spent extensive time on over the past 2 years.

 

The Elements of Algebra is a new one for me.  We will be looking into it for sure.  So sorry for such a delayed response, we had family in town unexpectedly.

[JoJosMom]

Here's my summary of math competitions we've used.  In addition to the prep materials I've described here, you can also prep by using AoPS curriculum materials.  

 

MOEMS

• A monthly math contest with 2 levels (elementary: up to 6th grade, middle school: up to 8th grade)  
• Exams have 5 questions, takes less than a half hour, so you can spend another half hour discussing the exam after it's over.  
• It runs November to March, so you can spend September-October or even the summer doing practice exams as a group if you like.  
• The students get to know each other over the course of the year, and you get awards like trophies, certificates and pins.  We just had our awards party, and it was a lot of fun.  
• Unless you have a very large team, your students are essentially competing as individuals.  
• Generally homeschool friendly, but definitely favors schools, and I've had some minor issues with administrative stuff.  
• Parents are allowed to proctor.  You grade the exams and enter the scores online at their website.  It's easy and fun.  
• Prep using this book of old exams.

 

Math Kangaroo

• An annual exam in March, with a different level for 2 grades.  So Level 2 is for 1st and 2nd grade, Level 8 is for 7-8th grade.  
• It goes all the way up to 12th grade, but is most appropriate for youngest students.  Every student receives a small toy after the exam.  
• Very homeschool friendly, and the folks there are very responsive to my emailed questions.  
• Parents are not allowed to proctor exams, so I've hired a local homeschooled teen, or more recently from TaskRabbit.  Scantrons are mailed to HQ for scoring.  
• Older students with high scores can qualify for math camps in Europe.  
• Old exams are available for sale on their website.  

 

MathCounts

• The biggest most well know math competition for middle school students.  Nationals are televised, so it's kinda a big deal, as far as math goes, like the Scripps Spelling Bee of math.
• Students are allowed 3 years of eligibility, and must be 8th grade or younger.  
• You are on a "team" of  up to 10 students, 6 competing as individuals, and 4 more who compete both as individuals and as a team/group (confusing I know) together.  I can usually recruit about 6 students on our team, a group of 4 and a couple extra individual competitors.  
• Chapter level competitions are in February with top students and teams advancing to state and nationals.  
• We practice weekly before the chapter exam, with a party before chapter competition.  Kids get to know each other really well and it's a lot of fun, even though we've never advanced to state.  
• You do not proctor this exam, but you attend the chapter competition in your area.  
• Old exams are available on their website.

 

AMC8/10/12

• AMC8 is for 8th grade and below, and is admiistered once a year in November.  AMC10/12 for 10th and 12th graders respectively, and happen twice a year in February.  
• It's the oldest and arguably the most prestigious of the math competitions.  (I took these exams when I was in high school, and it was a BIG DEAL at my school.)
• Outstanding performance on the AMC 10 or 12 qualifies you to take the AIME and Olympiads and beyond.  
• Parents aren't allowed to proctor; you must have a librarian or teacher proctor. You mail the scoresheets to HQ to be graded.  They are often offered at local universities or schools.  
• Old exams and solutions are available on the AoPS website.  

 

I'm happy to answer more questions.  We've had great success with each of these programs, and it has enhanced our homeschooling experience.  

 

No the OP, but I have a child expressing interest in math competitions.  Thank you for this excellent post.