Each year, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, known by many as March Madness, kicks off this week. Normally, this is a sign of Spring and showcases the spirit and competitiveness of college basketball programs across the country. For the first time at FFHS, it will now be used to help students become more proficient in mathematics. With an idea crafted by FFHS Math Teacher and HS Math Department Chair Mrs. Waters, she’s looking to provide today’s students with a fun process to keep students engaged while learning.
“At times, mathematics can prove to be a difficult subject for students to relate to,” said Mrs. Waters. “As teachers, we are always seeking ways to help students increase their interest in math or make connections to real life, while enabling them to become better students. As a former basketball player, coach, and fan, I thought this connection could bring some success into the math classroom and be fun at the same time.”
How does it work? It’s a simple concept that allows her students to answer a sheet of math questions about the tournament to receive a bracket. Prizes for the top five brackets will be given out at the conclusion of the tournament. The math department has coined it as the “Math Department March Madness Bracket Challenge.” Students are already lining up to answer their questions to receive their bracket, while getting a better understanding of how math relates to the tournament. It’s a fun and effective way for students to apply popular culture to some basic principles of mathematics.
So, if you turn on your TV and see this year’s tourney, you’ll know there’s a bit of FFHS spirit going into this year’s games.