During the two weeks of the Winter Olympic games in Pyeongchang, FSDB Blind Middle School Math Teacher Brigit Jensen hosted her own Math Olympics, the “Mathlympics.” Students completed math challenges that tested their mastery of skills including fractions, symbols, vocabulary, and multiplication tables. There were math riddles and ditloids (math puzzles) based on Olympic events.
Students especially enjoyed both Friday’s special problem solving challenges! The challenges were: Movin’ on Up, Face the Cookie, Nose Dive, Johnny Applestack, Junk in the Trunk, and the Doughnut Game.
Not all fun and games, students also spent class time researching the country they selected for the Mathlympics from those represented at the 2018 Olympics. They compiled basic information on their chosen country, such as the country flag, type of currency, and population. They also calculated how many miles it would take to get to that country from the United States, and how many miles from that country to Pyeongchang. They tracked the country’s Olympic rankings, athletes, and world records set during the Olympics. During quizzes and tests, and for the Friday special events, students received points. There were classroom Mathlympics medal winners at the end, just as with the Olympics in South Korea.
Jensen emceed the closing ceremony in the Music Building – everyone received a trophy for participating even if they didn’t medal this time around. (Yes, it will return!) As she wrapped up the ceremony, Jensen asked the students to “make some noise if you liked this event.” The students cheered so loudly the Music Building seemed to shake!
Bravo to third year teacher Brigit Jensen for engaging students in math with a fun and meaningful connection to the Winter Olympics.
Sixth grade medal winners:
1st place: Sophia Lopez
2nd place: Randi Hinson
3rd place: Savannah Lindbergh
4th place: David Chinchilla
Seventh grade medal winners:
1st place: Breanna Raisor
2nd Place: Brady Simmer
3rd place: Lina Al-Ghathi
4th place: Tristin Brennen
Eighth grade medal winners:
1st place: DeJonae Levers
2nd place: Natalie Cruz
3rd place: Luke Bocuzzo
4th place: Malcolm Rosebud & Jason Lubin (tie)
By Christi Boortz, Instructional Services
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdb.k12.fl.us.