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April Is Math Awareness Month
Last Updated: 01/23/2012*
Despite the increasing importance of mathematics to the progress of our economy and society, enrollment in mathematics programs has been declining at all levels of the American educational system. Yet the application of mathematics is indispensable in such diverse fields as medicine, computer sciences, space exploration, the skilled trades, business, defense and government. To help encourage the study and utilization of mathematics, it is appropriate that all Americans be reminded of the importance of this basic branch of science to our daily lives.
— President Ronald Reagan, 1986
Mathematics Awareness Month began in 1986 to increase public understanding and appreciation of mathematics. Raytheon’s MathMovesU® program does the same, engaging students with unique, interactive experiences that capture the excitement of math and science while inspiring, enlightening and even entertaining.
This month, Raytheon will underscore the importance of math through its Math Heroes program, participation in the FIRST® Robotics Championship and title sponsorship of the 2011 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS® National Competition.
Math Heroes Program
As part of the MathMovesU Grants and Scholarships program, Raytheon selects 32 teachers from across the country as part of its MathMovesU Math Hero Awards program for engaging students in math through interactive and creative learning initiatives. Each winner will receive a $2,500 award and a matching grant for his or her school.
FIRST Robotics
Raytheon-sponsored teams are competing in the FIRST Robotics Championship April 27-30, 2011, in St. Louis, Mo. The event challenges students to design and build their own robots from a standard kit of parts. The competition and Raytheon's support of the program are intended to inspire students to pursue education and career paths in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Raytheon engineers mentor and coach students on those teams to design and build their robots in just six weeks to compete in local and regional competitions
In addition, Raytheon will award $1,000 scholarships to 40 Raytheon-sponsored team members who plan to pursue college degrees in STEM.
MATHCOUNTS
Raytheon will host the nation's top 224 middle school math minds as the title sponsor of the 2011 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition May 5-8 in Washington, DC. The MATHCOUNTS finalists from across the United States will compete to earn the titles of 2011 National Champion and National Champion Team.
The event will be available live via webcast Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the MATHCOUNTS website. Students will have the opportunity to watch and play along with the nation's top middle school Mathletes.
Sponsorship of the MATHCOUNTS National Competition is a core component of Raytheon's MathMovesU program, an initiative designed to engage middle school students in math and science and help inspire the next generation of technologists and innovators.
About MathMovesU
Raytheon's MathMovesU program is committed to increasing middle school students' interest in math and science education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. The innovative programs of MathMovesU include Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills™ experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals; the "In the Numbers" game, a partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon; the company's sponsorship of the National MATHCOUNTS competition; and the MathMovesU Grants and Scholarships program providing more than $1 million in annual funding to students and teachers.
Mathematics Awareness Month is sponsored by the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics, which has chosen “Unraveling Complex Systems” as this year’s theme. For more information, visit the Mathematics Awareness Month website.
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