Mathematical Sciences Host Annual Celebration of Mind

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It was mathematics pursued not for importance or power but simply for beauty and fun that motivated author Martin Gardner to write the Mathematical Games column in Scientific American from 1956 to 1981. The Celebration of Mind is a worldwide tribute to Gardner, who broke stories on advances from the highest reaches of mathematics.

The department of mathematical sciences at the University of Arkansas will host a Celebration of Mind event Saturday, Oct. 27, to engage and challenge students in the spirit of Gardner, as well as demonstrate how the activities can be integrated into the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

"The goal of the Celebration of Mind event is to showcase the beauty of mathematics in addition to its real-world utility," event organizer Shannon Dingman said. “We hope to reach out to high school students who may have an interest in studying mathematics and working in a mathematics-related field to inform them of how they can prepare for college.”

The annual event will take place in the Union Ballroom of the Arkansas Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Area high school juniors and seniors, their parents/guardians, and their mathematics teachers are encouraged to attend. Information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships and the Honors College will be available. The office of admissions will also give tours of the University of Arkansas campus.

Students who participate at mathematic-themed booths can win prizes including math puzzles, gifts from local businesses and University of Arkansas backpacks and athletic items.

The event is free and open to the public. No prior registration is required. For more information contact Shannon Dingman, sdingman@uark.edu.