Tonight is the 20th annual Middle School Math and Science Adventure. The event was started in 1997 and has grown in popularity over the years. Last year, 10 Lutheran Schools participated. Many of these schools brought two teams of students resulting in 17 teams of approximately 10 students engaging in math and science competitions throughout the night. The math and science departments at Concordia Lutheran High School have once again prepared math and science challenges for this year’s adventure.
Some students may not combine the words “math,” “science,” and “adventure.” But for one night, this friendly competition between local Lutheran Schools is a true adventure. The night is comprised of a set of individual events followed by a set of team events. Individual or pairs of students will compete in an event such as the Egg Drop, Coding in Java with Disney, or Flying High while the team events of the Quiz Bowl, Pictures Only and the Amazing Race will test not only math and science skills, but also teamwork.
Personally, I love watching the students use their critical thinking skills in a challenging, but non-threatening environment. Unlike classroom activities, students aren’t trying to tick off the requirements on a rubric. They are attempting to be the best in a challenge. It allows students to really test their creativity and logic skills. As a teacher, it is a joy to see their enthusiasm for the subjects that I love so much.
I planned to write this blog after the night’s events were concluded. My goal was to share some fun anecdote from the night. However, illness is keeping me home today. It will be the first time that I’ve missed the Math and Science Adventure since I started working at CLHS in 2002. We all like to think we are irreplaceable, but the fact is that I work with amazing teachers who will make sure the night runs smoothly. Moreover, I am confident that this event will continue on for the next 20 years as this adventure becomes a tradition for CLHS and area grade schools.
Crystal Castleman,
Science Teacher and Department Chair