Maths Challenge in Sports and Daily Life
23 Dec 2024
The BBSG Sports Day has just ended, and the 4×100m relay race was the most exciting event! The four Houses—Ginkgo, Kapok, Ziwei, and Wutong—put forth their best efforts. Here are their results:
· Kapok completed the race in 400 seconds.
· Ginkgo was 10% faster than Kapok.
· Ziwei was 5% slower than Ginkgo.
· Wutong made an impressive comeback and was 8% faster than Ziwei.
Based on the results:
1. Calculate the exact times (in seconds) for Ginkgo, Ziwei, and Wutong.
2. If the total time of all four Houses is considered as 100%, what percentage of the total time did Ziwei use? (Round your answer to two decimal places.)
The recent Sports Day has sparked the creation of a “Maths Challenge” in BBSG Junior Secondary Maths classes.
Our Junior Secondary Maths team introduced the “Maths Challenge” to spark students' interest in mathematics and enhance their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Since the beginning of the school year, this initiative has been widely implemented across all grades and has become one of the most anticipated activities in students' daily learning.
Maths for Real Problem Solving
Maths teachers prepare two questions for students each week: one is a challenging question related to their current unit, and another is drawn from common mistakes. These questions are designed to align with the teaching objectives and foster deeper thinking. Students submit their answers within the week, ensuring they are timestamped, and drop them into the “Answer Box.”
Furthermore, these questions are not merely challenging problems or repeated errors; they are original scenarios designed by teachers based on students' daily experiences. For instance, this week’s challenges featured a question inspired by the recent Sports Day and another related to the upcoming Enquiry Week. By connecting Maths to students’ own lives, we aim to help them understand how mathematical knowledge can be applied to solve real-world problems.
Have a try at our Enquiry Week Maths Challenge!
Making Maths Enjoyable
In the final Maths class of each week, teachers announce the winners and award the most popular prize among students—the “Maths Plushie.”
This cute little plushie has become a star among students, witnessing the excitement as we announce the winners and celebrate the joy of those who win. The weekly problem-solving challenges have become a source of enjoyment for many students, with groups gathering during breaks to discuss problems and share solutions.
Teachers are also pleased to see that the challenge is not only for students strong in Maths. Our Grade 6 students have submitted a total of over 60 answer sheets. Some students participate enthusiastically, even though they may not win, and enjoy the process. Their mathematical skills improve through continuous practice and overcoming challenges. We are proud of their mindset of self-improvement and resilience. The “Maths Plushie” has become a symbol of unity and determination within the class.
Active Participants
G6:
Sunday Z, Jessie G, Lina F, Oliver S, Kingston Z, Leo L
G7:
Jason H, Kevin L, Jacky R
G8:
Sharon L, Hayden L, Kelly Z
The “Maths Challenge” has not only sparked students' passion for mathematics but also offered a platform for them to share knowledge and feel a sense of achievement. We look forward to more students challenging themselves and discovering the endless allure of mathematics.
