By Marcia Locke
Division of Communications and Marketing
MANHATTAN — Sixth through eighth grade students are invited to Kansas State University's Manhattan campus Saturday, April 25, for mathematics workshops where puzzles, patterns and codes take center stage in honor of Sonia Kovalevsky Day.
Kovalevsky, a 19th-century mathematician, was an advocate for women's rights and a pioneer for female mathematicians worldwide. To pay tribute to her legacy, the event aims to increase middle school students' interest in mathematics, support their transition to high school math and encourage the pursuit of STEM disciplines.
Workshops are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Cardwell Hall and will be hosted by faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and K-State's Association for Women in Mathematics graduate chapter.
"This event is an opportunity to experience the creativity, problem-solving and real-world applications of mathematics in a welcoming university setting," said Virginia Naibo, professor of mathematics.
During sessions, participants will engage in hands-on, math-centered activities and games, including working with networks, solving puzzles, creating and cracking secret messages, and exploring the binary number system.
The event is free and open to all students in sixth through eighth grade. Lunch and supplies are provided, and registration is due April 15. Questions may be directed to skday@k-state.edu.