UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast Math Walk has been moved to the Middle School Commons but is still on at the same time.
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Aurora Math Walk 2.0 is scheduled for Sunday at the Middle School Commons.
Started during the COVID year of 2020 as a way to combine outdoor recreation with fun problem-solving math puzzles, Nebraska Teacher of the Year Scott Phillips is bringing his Math Walk back to Aurora this Sunday. The middle school math teacher who sings math songs and makes YouTube videos with his students is putting on the event for a second time using a grant he received as the state teacher of the year for 2024.
“Last time we did this (in September of 2020) it was a blast to see,” Phillips said. “Parents were there with their kids doing the same problems and trying to figure them out and it was a great time!”
Phillips said he is currently getting all the fine details sorted out and is “really excited” to bring the event back for a second time. Students who want to get a head start on the event can check in at various locations around Aurora, such as SNACKOLOGY and the Edgerton Explorit Center, to get some bonus problems over the weekend in order to add additional entries for the raffle on Sunday.
Phillips says the math puzzles (he calls them “brain teasers”) will be posted on signs and the formal part of the program will begin at 2 p.m.
Phillips said the goal of the event is to engage participants in math-related activities and brainteasers while promoting outdoor activity and STEM education. Through the afternoon, participants will be encouraged to explore the walking trail solving math brain teasers at designated locations. Each correct answer will earn participants tickets for the raffle drawing that will take place at 4:30. Participants can also submit their answers through a smartphone to be entered into the raffle.
At 2 p.m. other on site activities will begin including the STEM Marble Lab from Edgerton Explorit Center and others that have not been finalized yet. Participants will be able to engage in hands-on experiments and challenges.
Then from 3-4:30 p.m. auctioneer Clint Mickey and Phillips will host a lively math-themed auction, much as Phillips does in his classroom with his students. Students will participate in teams, bidding on unique math-related items and experiences. In addition, the winning teams will receive additional raffle tickets for the prizes at the end.
The raffle drawings will take place at 4:30 for various prizes including games, gift cards and gift baskets and the event is expected to conclude at 5 p.m. with a time for participant feedback.
Phillips said he has invited media outlets from around the area to cover the event as a way to bring attention to Aurora and its school system.
