Prof. Kazi Helps Find Their Little Mathematician
Spreading His Love for Math to Elementary School Kids
Dr. Haseeb Kazi is a Professor of Mathematics at Trine University in Indiana.
For the past 2 decades Prof. Kazi has been living his dream - teaching and doing research.
He is also at the forefront of undergraduate research in Mathematics inspiring, promoting, guiding and facilitating student projects.
The story that struck a chord with me, is the one about a Math Event for Elementary School Students.
The Idea
To inspire kids about Math, Prof Kazi and his team at Trine which included Math Education majors, decided to start with elementary school kids.
They created an annual event called Math Kids Night.
Prof. Kazi met with area principals of the elementary schools in their area and discussed their idea about having a Math Event with competitions.
The Event
The students engage in creative activities targeted at bringing their little mathematician out and spreading the love for math.
The Event is free.
Students come from a six or seven area schools.
The Kids’ parents come as well.
Trine provides all the activity material
The event runs for about three hours.
The Activities & Math Challenge
Math Ed students creatively design activities, based on the research that they do;
The activities are age appropriate.
Trine Professors attend and help with the events.
There is an Elementary Math Challenge, which a 20-25 minute written competition. This is also designed by the Math Ed students.
The winners of the Math Challenge are awarded prizes!
Getting Feedback
After the event, they gather and record parents feedback to learn and make things better for the next year.
On with the Podcast
Prof. Kazi joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Trine University, CUR’s Role, Impact of Research, Success Stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Hi5s from Prof. Kazi’s Podcast are:
Why UG Research?
Role at Trine
CUR’s Role
Capstone Project
Advice for High Schoolers
Listen to the Hi5s. Podcast with Prof. Haseeb Kazi of Trine University. (3-Minute Listen).
Also Listen to Episode #300 - What Alumni Would Do Differently, If They Could Redo Their College Years?
Have a Great Week.
Venkat