Preparing Students for Modeling Competitions

Dan TeagueNCSSM

TCM Conference 2014

Mathematical Modeling

Forces for Change

HiMCM (High School Modeling Competition)

• Teams of Four students• 36 Hour Competition • November (two week window)• Choose 1 of 2 Problems• Unlimited Number of Teams• $150/team

Moody’s Math Challenge (High School Modeling Competition)

• Two Teams of Five Students• No Cost• Thirteen Hour Competition

in March• Top Six Finalists Make Oral

Presentation in New York• One Problem

Preparing Students For Modeling Contests

Begin by Teaching ModelsAndrew Caglieris Example

Move to Teaching ModelingSample Problems

Selecting Teams

• Variety of mathematical knowledge and backgrounds (Calculus, Statistics, Programming, Physics)

• Group Dynamics are everything

• Ask who they would choose not to work with

Hand’s Off During the Contest

If they work at one of the student’s homes, make sure the parents understand the rules

Organize your paper before you begin. Have computers and software set up and ready to go.

Have internet access and references (Basic Stat) available

Dissuade students from “all-nighters”

Write as they go, don’t wait until the last hours

Summary is critical. Don’t wait to do it last when you are most tired.

Most of all, have fun.

Enjoy the challenge and create a paper that you are proud of.

Share the paper at school.

Preparing Students for Modeling Competitions

Questions?

teague@ncssm.edu