1,500 high school math students here for Math Day Nov. 17

More than 1,500 students from high schools across the state will put their math skills to work Nov. 17 to compete for scholarships and other awards at UNL Math Day.

The annual event, first held in 1990, is designed to spark high school students' interest in math, to encourage them to pursue mathematics or mathematics-based science as a career and to recognize mathematical ability by awarding scholarships, certificates and trophies.

Math Day consists of one individual and two team mathematics competitions. Information about UNL majors and departments, mathematical careers and recreational mathematical activities is provided throughout the day. Students also will have the opportunity to take a campus tour and to enjoy lunch in a residence hall cafeteria.

Opening ceremonies will be held in the Lied Center for Performing Arts, beginning at 8 a.m. Students will then head to the Nebraska Union, 14th and R streets, to take a multiple-choice, preliminary exam. The top 50 scorers will advance to take an essay exam. Those who finish in the top 10 will share in the $34,000 made available for four-year scholarships to UNL. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

In 2010, the event hosted 1,274 students from 94 Nebraska high schools. This year, students from 104 high schools are registered to attend.

- Jean Ortiz Jones, University Communications