Although it was a weekend, Chapin students of all ages happily returned to 100 East End Avenue on the morning of Saturday, March 7. The halls were bustling with activity and the promise of what was sure to be an exciting day.
In the Gordon Room, tables were set up with engaging math problems, intricate puzzles and interactive challenges as part of Chapin’s annual Julia Robinson Math Festival. Named after mathematician Julia Robinson, who specialized in game theory and thrived on solving seemingly impossible problems, the Festival is a time to celebrate her curiosity, perseverance and groundbreaking contributions as well as our students’ mathematical discoveries and problem-solving spirit.
While designed primarily for Lower and Middle School students, learners of all ages found something to enjoy. From 9:30-11:30 a.m., students could choose from all kinds of math-related activities, some of which included the “5-4-3-2-1 Challenge,” which tasked students with creating any expression using those numbers (in that order) that equaled a number 1-40, or “Magic Flowers,” where students needed to rearrange the numbers to make a “magic flower” (which appeared only if the row and column added up to the same number). “Adsumudi” prompted attendees to use the five numbers on a card to equal the center number by adding, subtracting, multiplying and/or dividing.
Students and families also enjoyed the “Class 3 Arcade,” where they played our third graders’ original video games, which they created in their technology and science classes!
“We are so grateful for the time and care everyone brought to this event,” said Head of Lower School Math Jessica Pham. “It was a wonderful celebration of mathematical curiosity and community!”
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., families could head upstairs to The Hayot Center for Innovation and Gym 6 for our 3rd annual Maker Faire, an event offering a variety of stations for students of all ages.
Students could build their own small robot — which would then make a work of art — at the “Scribble Bots” station; create a laser cut keychain with the help of an Upper School volunteer; test their electrical engineering skills using a snap circuit board; observe the laws of thermodynamics while making their own ice cream; and apply chemistry skills to make slime. A member of our Upper School Robotics team also had a station with information about the club and that showcased one of the robots the team had made.
Thank you to the numerous faculty and staff who helped with both of these wonderful events and ensured they ran smoothly. A special thank you to Ms. Pham and Director of the HCI Dr. Jon Olivera for organizing the concurrent events and to the Upper School students who volunteered to run stations. It was a magnificent day of exploration, learning and joy!
