Students Challenge Their Minds in Recreational Math

Submitted by tiffanie.miley on

Quest Time, the new program at Springville Junior High, brings many enrichment activities. One of which is Recreational Math-a “doing math for fun” activity.

Recreational Math is a Quest Time activity every Monday in Mr. James Anderson’s class room (59) the class is meant to challenge students who enjoy trying to figure out mind-boggling math problems, or just finish up some homework or play a game.  Mr. Anderson, a math teacher at SJHS who is in charge of the activity, said, “We plan one challenging math problem that students can try, then answer at the end of Quest Time. We [also] allow ‘thinking games’ to be played.” 

“Recreational Math is a term that some people consider an oxymoron,” said Mr. Anderson. “It is what it sounds like-math problems just for fun. There actually is a large body of math problems created just to think about. In recreational math, we try to look at a few of those, and just play around with thinking. Just like anything else, there are students who enjoy thinking of something new, and students who keep as far away from math problems as possible.”

According to John Morris, a ninth grader at SJHS who attends the activity often, the activity is helpful. Some of the things students can do in Recreational Math are play lawn chess, card games, and solve math problems made just to think about.

Mr. Anderson said. “Whatever [students] choose for Quest Time, make it fun and productive.”

Attributions
Mason Barnes, SJHS Staff Writer