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On Saturday, Feb. 15, Auburn University hosted the Mathematical Puzzle Challenge (MaPP), an event designed to inspire middle and high school students across Alabama by challenging their perceptions of mathematics. The competition offers participants an exciting opportunity to explore math through hands-on problem-solving and collaboration.
The program began with an opening by Joanie Morris, who encouraged students to, “embrace the struggle and roll up your sleeves.” Morris spoke about the growth that occurs by doing challenging things that force you out of your comfort zone such as the puzzles at MaPP.
“My team thoroughly enjoyed stretching themselves on these puzzles. We believe Dr. Morris’ insightful remarks helped encourage the students to press on even when a puzzle felt impossible to solve — an excellent life lesson,” said Debbie Reeves, First Baptist Opelika Christian School principal.
The MaPP event, organized by Mathematical Puzzle Programs and hosted by COSAM Outreach, aims to engage teams of five to eight students by making math both fun and interactive. Students work in teams to tackle a series of puzzles, each with a central them. As they race around campus, participants unlock new puzzles using a mobile app that guides them to different locations, where their puzzle-solving skills will be put to the test.
In the process, they may not even realize they’re doing math.
“This event offers a unique, dynamic way for students to experience mathematics,” said Kristen Jackson, program coordinator. “Through teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, participants discover the thrill of mathematical thinking, all while having fun and interacting with their peers. We are thrilled to host this event at Auburn University and showcase the beauty and power of mathematics.”
MaPP is hosted annually at Auburn and is designed to enhance participants' logical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills.