Virtual Mathematics Competition (VMC)

Project overview

The broad aim of Mthethwamatics is to create a society that is aware of the importance of Mathematics and its applications. Mthethwamatics prides itself in changing as well as eliminating the stigma around Mathematics. This is normally done through seminars and various educational programmes. In light of the current pandemic, Mthethwamatics is planning the Virtual Mathematics Competition (VMC). It is a competition that is targeted at everyone: the general public, learners of all phases of the South African education system, teachers, and students. The narrative is to promote mathematics to a wider audience, over and above schools. We intend to do this by asking participants/contestants to explain the necessary concepts in mathematics. We believe that this process will not only add the element of fun to the subject but also improve reasoning capacity and create a sustainable peer-learning amongst learners, students, parents, and teachers.

Introduction

The main aim of the competition is to educate society about some principles, fundamental concepts, and theorems in mathematics. Knowledge of mathematics is not a prerequisite to participate; the aim is to educate. The learning component of this
competition will be done through allowing participants to consult with whoever may be able to assist them, be it a teacher, tutor, or parent. Once the participant is confident that to have grasped the concept, then the video (2 mins) detailing the solution should be
conducted and submitted to us. There is no limit to the tools and creativity that may be used to present the solution or explanation.

Project Details

 To maintain fairness, the competition will be divided into categories as follows:

  • General Public: (Everyone).
  • Learners/Pupils: (Grade R to Grade 12, divided according to South African phases. Each phase will have a problem/challenge to solve and explain).
  • University Mathematics Students: (This includes every full-time/part- time student who is enrolled for a qualification in mathematical science/mathematics education. Students registered for other qualifications fall into the General Public category.
  • Mathematics Teachers/facilitators / Tutors: Teachers of other subjects belong to the General Public.

Winners of each of the categories will compete for a Grand Prize

General rules of the competition:

Participants are required to take a video (maximum of 2 minutes) minutes) of themselves
[individual or group] explaining or solving the problem given to their category (Creativity is more than welcomed).welcomed). Artistic videos are also welcomed (cartoons, animations, etc.).

  • Usage of native languages in the presentation is encouraged; however, English is welcomed.
  • The Mthethwamatics team and immediate family are not allowed to participate
  • Teachers/Parents/Guardians making a video of a child (foundation phase) are allowed to assist the child even in the video.
  • The same participant can submit two or more videos for different categories.

The setup:

– The voting will be done through likes and shares on Facebook [social media reach].
– Public vote only contributes 30% of the final decision, the other 70% comes from judges (mathematics & mathematics education specialists).