Math & Science Day

Math and Science Day Scholastic Competition

February 12, 2025
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
In the Wright Room

Hosted by Cowley College
Arkansas City, Kansas

The annual Math & Science Day at Cowley College is jointly sponsored by the Natural Science & Mathematics Department and Mu Alpha Sigma Chi. High school students showcase their knowledge of various science and math disciplines by competing in scholastic exams and highlight their critical thinking and creativity by participating in problem-based learning exercises. Winners can earn monetary prizes, graphing calculators, or tuition scholarships to attend Cowley College. The competition is a valuable opportunity to interact with peers, learn from each other's experiences, and potentially form friendships with like-minded individuals.

Competitions at Math and Science Day

Session 1: The Scholastic Competition

• This portion will consist of a preliminary examination in all science and math areas. The top scoring students in each discipline will then compete in a verbal quiz. The categories for this year’s scholastic competition include:
  • Algebra
  • Biological science
  • Chemistry
  • Geometry
  • Physics and Physical science.

Session 2 and 3: Scientific Apparatus and Skills

• Breakout Activity
  • This is an interactive educational activity that challenges participants to solve puzzles and unlock clues to "break out" of a locked box or complete a specific task. This is a hands-on critical thinking teamwork activity that incorporates science and problem-solving.
• Write-It, Build-It
  • One team member writes precise directions of a scientific apparatus to the best of their ability. The other two use the description given from the writer to build the apparatus within a timely manner.
• Ping-Pong Launcher
  • Design, build and test a ping-pong ball launcher powered by a common household mousetrap (NOT A RAT TRAP) that will propel as many ping-pong balls as possible into a target. Click here for the Ping-Pong Launcher contest PDF.
• CSI
  • Students will perform a chemical analysis of selected materials. Click here for the CSI Rules PDF.
• Puzzle Fest
  • Entrants will receive math puzzles which they must solve by appropriately placing the pieces as quickly as possible. Click here for the Puzzle Fest PDF.

We are excited to offer this competition again and would welcome participation from more students. If you or your students are interested in competing for prizes in scientific areas, please consider joining this growing event.

Thank you for your participation.

Sponsors:
AJ Ybarra and Braidon Hughes
Math & Science Club
Cowley College
620-441-5330 or 620-441-5329
adolpho.ybarra@cowley.edu or braidon.hughes@cowley.edu