UWO Summer Mathematics Academy gives Fox Valley middle schoolers hands-on math experience

Thirty-two middle school students from communities across the Fox Valley spent Aug. 10-13 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh exploring mathematics through hands-on activities and creative problem-solving.

The Summer Oshkosh Mathematics Academy (SOMA) brings students from Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, De Pere and Green Bay to the UWO campus for an immersive experience designed to deepen their interest in mathematics while showing how complex concepts can be explored collaboratively and creatively. See photos here.

This year, participants are working with geometry, fractals and other mathematical structures. By Thursday, Aug. 13, the final day of the academy, students were nearing completion of several large-scale models that bring those concepts to life, including a three-dimensional model of a fractal called a Menger sponge that will be built from 8,000 small cubes.

"We explore mathematical ideas and topics that are not typically part of the middle grades or even high school curriculum," said Eric Kuennen, professor of mathematics in UWO's School of STEM. "Our goal is not to race ahead, but to have fun and explore new ideas together. We want our participants to experience the joy of learning. There are no tests or assessments at the end, and no specific content we need to get through. We can take the time to actually do mathematics-that is, explore, pose questions, make conjectures, try things out and see what happens.

"It's OK to be wrong. In fact, making mistakes and investigating why it didn't work is an extremely valuable part of the mathematics process of understanding," Kuennen added.

Teaching and learning

The academy creates an experiential learning opportunity for UWO students. Five UWO students are working alongside four UWO faculty members throughout the program, gaining hands-on teaching and mentoring experience while helping guide the middle school participants through mathematical activities and challenges.

"Working with middle school students is such an interesting experience! My favorite part is observing how they interact with and truly enjoy math. When given the tools and opportunity to explore, they really do amaze you with the creativity they're able to bring. Their individual perspectives are so refreshing and make me excited to return each day!" said Raine Nealy, a junior elementary education major and mathematics minor at UWO.

Also enjoying time working with the math acedemy is Zulema Belnap, a sophomore special education major and mathematics minor at UWO.

"I find middle schoolers refreshing, and I enjoy seeing the ways that they work through challenges," Belnap said. "These kids are eager to learn and have the confidence to think outside the box. I'm learning more abundantly that it's OK to make mistakes and to not understand everything."

The five UWO students participating in this year's academy are Saylor Powers, a junior elementary education major and mathematics minor; Nealy; Joshua Blondin, a junior mathematics and economics major; Kennedy Footit, a sophomore elementary education major and mathematics minor; and Belnap.

Faculty participating in this year's academy are Kuennen; Amy Parrott, professor of mathematics, School of STEM; Jason Belnap, professor of mathematics, School of STEM; and Fawnda Norman, assistant professor of mathematics education, School of Education.

This year's 32 participants represent a typical and ideal enrollment size for the academy.

The Summer Oshkosh Mathematics Academy began in 2019 with support from a grant from the Mathematical Association of America.

The academy is one example of how UWO connects university expertise with students and families throughout the region while providing UWO students opportunities to apply what they are learning through teaching, mentorship and community engagement.

Learn more:

Summer Oshkosh Mathematics Academy

UWO Mathematics.