We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always be mathematics.—Katherine Johnson, African-American mathematician
It's good to be back! What's up, HIVEANS? I’m hoping everyone is in good shape and is still striving for the best of their lives. I’ve been on a month-long hiatus, and I’m remorseful for being inactive in this wonderful community. Now I’m back for another rainbow-filled story of my life. Before I start, let me give everyone a quick math brain teaser.
"What is the biggest number that can be written with four 9s?"This is a math brain teaser from the Hitbullseye website.
I’ll give the answer at the end of my blog, so prepare yourselves and keep your answers with you.
Every month, each school really has scheduled activities for the teachers and students. It is to have an interactive and effective display of learning and creativity and use it to showcase a graceful presentation. Our school marked September 27–28, 2023, as our SciMath Month Celebration. Different sections of different grade levels are assigned a certain task.
For our section, 11 STEM C-BRILLIANCE, we were asked to make a math exhibit. When we heard the announcement, we felt challenged. Our mastery exams just recently finished, and then there is a math exhibit who wants to follow. Our section didn't back down; we gathered and planned everything for our upcoming math exhibit.
THE PLAN
Everyone stayed inside the classroom to gather ideas and make suggestions before coming up to the plate. Brainstorming was the key to a swift meeting. Our class mayor had to stand in front while the secretary did the writing on the whiteboard. It took about 30 minutes to finally decide.
Based on our gathered suggestions, we came up with these decisions to bring our math exhibit to life.
THE MAKING
After planning, we, of course, had to take action and waste no time. There were five different groups delegated with a task. Each team should buy their materials and possess a receipt afterwards, so the class treasurer can refund the personal money spent. Actually, since the class started, we have opened a sinking fund to be prepared. It is very useful and helpful during this kind of activity.
I am assigned to our Math Trivia Board. We went to the mall to buy materials and take a spot at a cafe near our place to make the board. We had so much fun making the board, since humorous displays and playful conversations occurred during the process. Especially if, when you are with your classmates, things go well.
Making the trivia board took us two days to finish. We were able to see the results the night before the expected day. Me and my team were glad to make it just in time. Finally, we slept with ease.
D-DAY
My alarm betrayed me.😅I wasn't able to wake up early, and so the traffic jam in Consolacion, Cebu, got me. I left the house at 5:45, and the traffic is so annoying. We had to take the shorter route to arrive at the school. Thankfully, the exhibit hasn't started yet, and I was able to help the others with the designs and props. My other team members displayed the trivia board, while I helped the class mayor check and do the last touches.
Our exhibit is themed like a carnival. “Math Mania: Where Numbers Come to Life":
We had four different-shaped Rubik's cubes, a Damath board, and a popcorn box where the math trivias are. The photobooth was the highlight of our math exhibit. We played smart and gave 3 shots for 20 pesos. Even though it was tiring, we grasped the moment to have fun and play with the customers. Our math exhibit lasted until 12 noon.
The first day of our SciMath Days was both tiring and draining.It's time for lunch, and so everyone left the school to go to their respective homes.
THE 2ND DAY
Our second day of SciMath Days is scheduled for our chemistry bingo and our video shooting for the science subject. Contrary to yesterday, I arrived at school early.😅 Our bingo game started at 8a.m., and all the students gathered at the Students’ Lounge. Before the game started, everyone was preparing, including the teachers. The DJ or operator played wonderful music and songs that everyone could sing together. The students sang harmoniously and recorded the special moment as students. We felt so young and free, and I guess it was a nice warmup before the Chemistry Bingo.
By the way, chemistry bingo is just like ordinary bingo; the numbers are replaced by an element inside the periodic table. We still had to get the given pattern each round. Honestly, I got bored since I wasn't even close to getting a single pattern. I made it until the end and won nothing. However, I had so much fun since I was with my friends.
After the bingo, everyone came back to their respective classrooms to have lunch. I only had brunch since my group mates were rushing me to take a video for our science project. So we came down and discovered a cool exhibit. They showcased the properties of an oblique. Oblique is a mixture of cornflour and water. If you play with it, it is liquidy, but if you punch it, it is so hard. We found it satisfying and relaxing, so we had to pause our shooting.
Then we continued our shooting and visited the other booths made by the students. I learned so much about science, especially. Science really is wonderful, not just by looking at it, but also if you study all the matters and everything science, it feels fulfilling. We swiftly ended our shooting so we could go home.
REFLECTION
This kind of school activity boosts my mood positively. Science and math are core subjects, and it is fun to learn. If you are a STEM student, you would dedicate generous time for these subjects. It is challenging but with the help of your friends, nothing is impossible. On the first day of school, I expected our section to not be as close as friends. However, things went so well. The longer we are together as classmates, the deeper the connection we make. My classmates are so kind and real. Together, we just go hand in hand; there are no fights or misunderstandings. I hope for this to continue until the end of the school year. I am so glad I easily made friends and connections with bright people.
I feel like the event was just an excuse for us to have fun together and build rapport, or maybe that is the event’s purpose? I don't know, but one thing’s for sure: I love the people around me. I appreciate them, and I do hope it stays like this.
As a section, difficulties are faced, yet we are stronger than thunderstorms. We have each other to rely on, and it will make our future projects more fun and memorable.
That's all. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. But, wait! I still have to give the answer for the math brain teaser.
THE ANSWER IS: 99^99
I’m really sorry for being inactive lately. I promise to learn my schedule and effectively apply time management. Sending lots of love to y’all! Stay safe and keep tuned for my future blogs. Thank you, everyone! This has been your rainebow0407, hoping that I gave a rainbow to this community.