Mathletes say their sport really computes
KITCHENER — People and politicians have lots to say about math and how it’s taught.
Let’s let high school students tell us why math is important, after 100 of them gathered Wednesday to solve problems in the 10th annual team math competition for Catholic high schools, hosted by St. Mary’s High School.
“I see math as applying to everything,” said Holden Little, 16, of St. Mary’s High School. “No matter where you go, you’re going to need skill in math, even if it’s just to manage your own expenses and your own life.
“If you want to go into the trades, you’re going to need skill in math, be it an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter.
“For example in the trades, you need a heavy focus on geometry, surface area, circumference.”
“I like the fact that so much of the world can be described using mathematics,” said Devin Blankespoor, 16, of St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo.
Victor Malinowski, 17, finds that math engages his creativity.
“I think these problemsolving skills can be used in real world applications later on in life, such as in the workplace when it comes to overcoming challenges,” he said.
Students said math develops critical thinking and helps in the real world beyond the classroom.
“I really like that there’s a lot of ways to go about it, and you can think through it in many different ways and still get to the one correct answer,” said Kara Brunsting, 14, of St. David.