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The Math Forum Elementary Problem of the Week  

Elementary Problem of the Week:
Information and Guidelines


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Student Center || Teachers' Place
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I.  Goals and Objectives

The Math Forum's Problems of the Week are designed to foster the growth of a mathematics community on the Internet. Mentors contribute to the elementary mathematics community by volunteering to reply to solutions submitted by students in grades three to six. Students discover the joy of exploring challenging, non-routine math problems with someone outside their regular classroom. Both students and mentors enhance communication skills as they discuss their problem-solving techniques.

II.  Grade Level

The problems are intended for students in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12), but may also be appropriate for students in other grades. You are encouraged to use these problems as they meet your needs.

III.  Problem Solvers

Solutions will be accepted from individuals, small groups, teams, and classes.

Small groups may have up to four members who are individually identified by name. Members may change from week to week and scores will be tallied for each member.

Teams and classes will need to choose a group name by which they will be identified. Teams will receive group credit, and no individuals will be recognized.

IV.  Submitting a Solution

You may submit a solution to the Elementary Problem of the Week by filling out the submission form on the current problem page.

Teachers are encouraged to allow students to type in their own solutions, with the understanding that mentors will be reading and responding to the students at an appropriate grade level. At The Math Forum, we consider the submission process to be a learning tool and do not expect perfect spelling and grammar from all students at all times. Mentors may ask students to revise or clarify their solutions.

If you have questions or concerns you may send email to webmaster@mathforum.org

V.  Timeline and Deadlines

  1. The Elementary Problem of the Week begins its sixth year the week of September 4, 2000, though there will be one warm-up puzzle beginning the week of August 28, 2000. The last problem will be posted the week of May 14, 2001. There are occasionally two week problems, so please check our calendar at http://mathforum.org/elempow/calendar. We hope these dates will help you in your planning.

  2. Problems will be posted on Mondays. Whenever possible, a preview of the next problem will be posted on Thursday so that students can have the weekend to work on it. Problems will be posted at

  3. Submissions will be accepted through the Monday following the week of the the problem, i.e., answers for the September 4 problem will be accepted through September 11.

  4. Revisions will be accepted through the Thursday following the week of the problem, i.e., revisions for the September 4 problem will be accepted through September 14.

  5. Names of students who have answered the problem correctly will appear on our Web site, and the most creative solutions will be highlighted.

VI.  Contact Person

Lisa Lavelle
webmaster@mathforum.org
Elementary Project Coordinator
The Math Forum
101 S. Chester Rd., Suite 400
PO Box 156
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081-0156

VII.  Benefits

Names of students and teams submitting correct responses will be posted on the solution pages, and each week several well-written student solutions will be highlighted. In addition, special certificates will be mailed to the individuals and teams as they achieve the 10, 20, 30, and 40 point milestones.

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