On October 24, Daytona State College’s School of Mathematics hosted their second annual Math Fest, bringing attention to the importance of mathematics, promoting cooperation, and encouraging students as they grow in math.
DSC faculty provided students with analytical and quantitative experiences to help prepare them for their future mathematical endeavors and careers.
According to the school’s website, “upper-level math courses are provided to build on this foundation and prepare students for the advanced requirements of scientific and pre-professional course work.”
The first Math Fest took place two years ago on October 27, 2024. The assistant chairperson for the School of Mathematics at DSC, Gabi Booth, had assisted with the coordination for both the first and the current Math Fests, with chairperson Marc Campbell being a main supporter and drive behind the Fest.
“Students are having fun, and seeing the beauty of math and how exciting math really is, without doing math, but math is still there,” Booth said.
Building on last year’s enthusiasm, the theme of this year’s Math Fest was “Math in Motion.” Attendees witnessed math in action and motion, as well as how math has progressed thus far.
There were many presentations at the Fest, including learning about lottery odds and estimates, the impact of technology in baseball, a presentation discussing Leonardo da Vinci, the potato gun, which showed how far objects could be launched, casino odds, and using math to create and develop art, all of which were presented by DSC professors.
Some of the presentations, such as the potato gun or making art with math, were interactive. Attendees had the opportunity to place the object into the potato gun or participate in making the art alongside the presentations.
“Math is more than just calculating numbers, and doing arithmetic. There is math in everything we see, every day in life,” said Booth. “I would like for students to get as excited about math as I am, and we want to show this through some fun activities and fun presentations.”
The school hopes to inspire students with this event. Whether students have a premeditated interest in math or not, they want to encourage attendees to explore this outlet and nurture that possible growth of passion.
“Math Fest is a day dedicated to celebrating mathematics, problem-solving, and discovery,” said Campbell. “This event will bring together students, faculty, and the community to explore the beauty and power of mathematics.”
The event started with a welcome assembly in the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center at 8:30 a.m.
Afterward, there were presentations that answered questions and combined some fun elements into math. The presentations were held in several areas on the Daytona Beach campus, including buildings 500 and 600, running until 1:30 p.m.
The event also had challenges of collaboration and critical thinking for those who wanted to participate.
“It is less about tests and more about teamwork, creativity, and surprises,” said Campbell. “Students should come ready to jump in and enjoy themselves, no matter their skill level.”