METHANEX 2014

Methanex Maths Spectacular 2014 Information Booklet Methanex Maths Spectacular 2014 Information Booklet

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MATHS SPECTACULAR 2014 Monday 25th August to Friday 29th August

Pukekura Raceway Function Centre, New Plymouth Entries open to Years 7 to 10 Visit the website: www.tma.org.nz

Contents

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors...................................................................................3
Introduction .............................................................................................................................4
Contact Information.................................................................................................................5
Privacy Statement ...............................................................................................................5
Judges’ Decisions ...............................................................................................................5
Important Information for 2014................................................................................................6
Other Information ....................................................................................................................7
Timetable for Maths Spectacular Week ..................................................................................8
Categories.............................................................................................................................10 Hand Drawn 2D Artwork (for INDIVIDUALS only) .........................................................10
Computer Generated 2D Artwork (for INDIVIDUALS only) ...........................................10
3D Artwork (for 1 or 2 students only) .............................................................................10
Poetry and Creative Writing (for INDIVIDUALS only) ....................................................10
Central Design for Next Year (for INDIVIDUALS only) ..................................................10
Maths in the Energy Industry Project (for 1, 2 or 3 students only).................................10
IT Project (for 1, 2 or 3 students only) ...........................................................................10
Individual Projects (for INDIVIDUALS only) ...................................................................11
Group Projects (for 2 or 3 students only) .......................................................................11
Class Projects - Primary Years 7 to 8 (for the WHOLE CLASS) ...................................11
Class Projects - Secondary Years 9 to 10 (for the WHOLE CLASS) ............................11
Statistical Projects (for 1, 2 or 3 students only) .............................................................11
Teams’ Quiz Competition......................................................................................................12
Prizes ....................................................................................................................................13
Competition Prizes ............................................................................................................13
Grand Prize .......................................................................................................................13
Teams’ Quiz Competition Prizes .......................................................................................13
Display Guidelines ................................................................................................................14
Headings ...........................................................................................................................14
Text ...................................................................................................................................14
Diagrams ...........................................................................................................................14
Layout................................................................................................................................14
Labelling Exhibits ..................................................................................................................15
Project Ideas .........................................................................................................................16
Further Ideas.........................................................................................................................17
Please support our generous sponsors ................................................................................18


Methanex MethanexMaths MathsSpectacular Spectacular2014 2013Information InformationBooklet Booklet Methanex Maths Spectacular 2014 Information Booklet

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Thank ThankYou YoutotoOur OurGenerous GenerousSponsors Sponsors We Weowe oweaahuge hugedebt debtofofgratitude gratitudetotoour oursponsors sponsorsfor fortheir theirgenerous generous support. support. Please Pleasehelp helpususthank thankthem thembybysupporting supportingthem themand andusing usingtheir their services! services! Major MajorSponsor: Sponsor:

Teams’ Teams’Quiz QuizSponsor: Sponsor:

Major MajorAssociate AssociateSponsors: Sponsors:

Origin Energy Resources NZ Ltd Origin Energy Resources NZ Ltd Worley Parsons New Zealand Transfield Worley Ltd Ltd Western Institute Technology at Taranaki Plant &ofPlatform Consultants Ltd (WITT) Shell of Todd Oil Services Western Institute Technology at Taranaki (WITT) Staples Rodway NZAMT

Powerco

Associate ITL Sponsors

Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd STOS Liquigas Limited Powerco ITL

Associate Sponsors Liquigas Limited Supporting Sponsors Taranaki Daily News Clelands Construction Fitzroy Engineering Ltd Greymouth Petroleum Ltd

Supporting Sponsors Clelands Construction Fitzroy Engineering Ltd McDonald’s Family Restaurant BTW Company

Subsidiary Sponsors Excel Tuition Taranaki Mathematics Association

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Introduction This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Methanex Maths Spectacular. Prior to this event there was the TaraMath Fair which largely focused on mathematically designed posters and had a top prize of only $2. At this time Rob Green was a teacher at New Plymouth Boys’ High at the time and had difficulty motivating students to enter this competition. He, along with an enthusiastic group of teachers from Taranaki, decided to reshape the maths fair and make it more enticing for students to enter. They came up with the idea of the Maths Spectacular and loosely based it on the Auckland Mathex. A key factor in encouraging students to enter this new competition was to offer better prize money, as this was what had worked for the local Science Fair. In order to fund the project they needed a sponsor. Synfuel got on board and made a substantial contribution enabling the event to go ahead. The inaugural Synfuel Maths Spectacular was held in 1990 at the New Plymouth Memorial Theatre, which was then above the New Plymouth Library. The top prize was elevated to the same level as the Science Fair and the range of project categories had been extended. The enthusiasm for the event spread to the students and the levels of the projects submitted was impressive. There were also some very hard fought competitions between schools in the maths quiz competitions. Later on in the 1990’s Synfuel became Methanex, and has been the main contributor to the event over the entire 25 years. Without their support the event would not be possible. There have also been many other local businesses that have helped sponsor categories over the years. This year we would like to thank AWE Taranaki for once again sponsoring the quiz evenings. Also thank you to our Major Associate Sponsors: Worley Parsons New Zealand Ltd, Origin Energy Resources NZ Ltd, WITT, Shell Todd Oil Services, Staples Rodway; to our Associate Sponsors: Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd, Liquigas Limited, Powerco, ITL; Supporting Sponsors; Clelands Construction, Fitzroy Engineering Ltd, Greymouth Petroleum Ltd, and it would be great if you could all support our loyal sponsors in return. It is great to have such a variety of local companies getting behind an event such as this. The Methanex Maths Spectacular would also not be possible if it were not for the teachers who have invested so much of their time and energy into this event. Through encouraging their students to enter and helping them create such outstanding projects. This year the spectacular has been organised by New Plymouth Boys’ High along with some assistance from New Plymouth Girls’ High. A special thank you to all those involved. All the very best to the competitors for 2014!

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Contact Information Convenor

Natalie Brien

New Plymouth Boys’ High School [email protected]

Treasurer

Spencer Page

New Plymouth Boys’ High School [email protected]

Secretary

Kelvin Simpson

New Plymouth Boys’ High School [email protected]

Publicity

Shin Kirkcaldie & Troy Standish

Quiz Night

Paul Dominikovich

Sponsorship and Judges

Sandra Parry

New Plymouth Girls’ High School [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you at the Spectacular!

Privacy Statement By entering this competition, schools and students are granting permission for the organising committee to use their names and the images and descriptions of their entries for publicity purposes, such as reporting on the event and in promoting next year’s event in various formats such as posters, booklets, websites etc.

Judges’ Decisions Please make sure that the mathematical content of each entry is clear. decisions are final and no communication will be entered into.

The judges’

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Important Information for 2014 Please read: This page contains a quick guide of notes of particular importance.

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Entry Fee – The entry fee is $30 for a school or $10 for a home schooled student. To be eligible to enter and display posters, projects, etc the entry fee must be paid before exhibits are delivered to the venue.

•

Venue - This year’s event will be held at the Pukekura Raceway Function Centre, La Mer Lounge, Mason Drive, New Plymouth.

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Official Opening – This year the official opening will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, 28th August. Invited guests will be present and the Grand Prize will be awarded. All competitors, friends, families and school representatives are welcome to attend.

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Bookings for viewing – The Spectacular is open to the public and visiting schools on only Thursday, 28th August and Friday, 29th August. Please make sure that you book your school group visit using the tma website. The event will also be open to the general public from 4-6pm on both the Thursday and Friday.

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Prize winners’ notification – An email will be sent to the school contact on the Wednesday afternoon/evening. This will give the names of all prize winners. Schools, please make sure all prize winners are aware of their success and that they are expected to attend prize giving. An additional email will be sent to confirm the final quiz results.

•

Labels on Exhibits – Labels must be securely attached to all exhibits. Please download the correct page of labels from www.tma.org.nz and print/copy. Exhibit labels must: -

Be on the correct colour paper (Y7 Red, Y8 Yellow, Y9 Green and Y10 Blue)

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Have student names neatly printed and correctly spelt.

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Have the school clearly identified (St Joseph’s schools, please ensure that you differentiate your particular school.)

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Be entered into the correct category for that exhibit.

-

Be firmly attached to the exhibit in a suitable location (easily viewable from the front).

Note: The organising committee cannot take responsibility for exhibits without labels or that have lost their labels. Exhibits without labels will not be eligible for prizes.

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Collecting Exhibits – All exhibits can be collected between 11am and 12 noon on Saturday, 30th of August.

Please note that any uncollected exhibits cannot be

stored and will be disposed of.

Other Information •

The competition is open to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

•

Prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

•

Prize Giving will immediately follow the respective year’s Quiz. (Please refer to Section C for times). Prize winners are expected to attend.

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The Grand Prize will be awarded at the official opening 7.30pm on Thursday, 28th August.

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All entries must be clearly labelled using the correct colour of labels (downloadable from the website www.tma.org.nz). Y7 Red

•

Y8 Yellow

Y9 Green

Y10 Blue

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing until the end of the quiz on Friday, 29th August. Please arrange for all exhibits to be collected between 11am and 12 noon on Saturday, 30th August. Any exhibits remaining after this time will be disposed of.

•

In all categories the judges will be looking for mathematical content, quality of work, clarity of presentation, neatness, originality, imagination, positive portrayal of mathematics, clear explanations where appropriate, and accuracy in construction. The judges’ decisions are final and no communication will be entered into on this matter.

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Timetable for Maths Spectacular Week Friday, 22nd August – Pre Spectacular preparation by schools

Schools should pre-sort all ‘flat’ entries, such as two dimensional artwork, posters, the central design for next year, and poetry and creative writing. Print the name of the category on the exhibit label. Please make sure exhibit labels are clearly written and correctly spelt as this is what will be printed on certificates. Labels must be attached securely to the exhibit. The label should show the first and last name of each student, the school name and the category in which the item is entered. Note: St Joseph’s schools – please ensure it is clearly marked which St Joseph’s you are from.

Monday, 25th August – Delivery of exhibits to venue

All entries are to go directly to Pukekura Raceway between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. Further details regarding this will follow. Schools must arrange for their exhibits to be sorted into separate categories when they are dropped off. Please note that exhibits dropped off unsorted will not be displayed. It is not fair on the team setting up. Please help make the system work.

Tuesday 26th August – Setup of displays by setup team

The organising committee will set up the displays at the Pukekura Raceway. Note: No late exhibits will be accepted.

Wednesday, 27th August – Judging of entries 9:00am Judging of exhibits.

Results from each category at each Year level will be emailed to your contact on Wednesday evening. Please check for prize winners and alert them to this fact. NOTE: Prize winners are expected to attend the relevant Prize Giving on Thursday or Friday evening.

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Thursday, 28th August 2014 – Official opening and Year 9 & 10 Quizzes Any school wishing to visit the Spectacular must book a time by using the link on the tma website. Schools not booked run the risk of being turned away. 9:00am to 3:00pm – Pukekura Raceway will be open for schools and the public to visit. Quiz Evening Schedule: 4:00 pm

Doors open for viewing.

7:00 pm

Year 9 Quiz Teams’ competition.

7:30 pm

OFFICIAL OPENING Presentation of the Grand Prize

8.00 pm

Year 9 Exhibitors’ Prize Giving. Year 9 Quiz Prize Winners announced.

8:15 pm

Year 10 Quiz Teams’ competition.

8:45 pm

Year 10 Exhibitors’ Prize Giving.

9:00 pm

Year 10 Quiz Prize Winners announced

Friday, 29th August – Viewing and Year 7 & 8 Quizzes

9:00am to 3:00pm – Pukekura Raceway will be open for schools and the public to visit. Quiz Evening Schedule: 4:00 pm

Doors open for viewing.

7:00 pm

Year 7 Quiz Teams’ competition.

7:30 pm

Year 7 Exhibitors’ Prize Giving.

7:45 pm

Year 7 Quiz Prize Winners announced.

8:00 pm

Year 8 Quiz Teams’ competition.

8:45 pm

Year 8 Exhibitors’ Prize Giving.

9:00 pm

Year 8 Quiz Prize Winners announced

Saturday, 30th August – Dismantling and collection of exhibits 10:00am to 11am

Committee and helpers to dismantle displays.

11am to 12pm

Please collect students’ exhibits. Any unclaimed exhibits will NOT be kept.

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Categories Hand Drawn 2D Artwork (for INDIVIDUALS only) This group includes designs, tessellations, transformations etc. The finished work must have an underlying mathematical theme, cannot be computer generated and must be either A4 or A3 in size. No other size will be accepted. Please do not allow students to merely colour in a photocopied design.

Such

exhibits will not be displayed.

Computer Generated 2D Artwork (for INDIVIDUALS only) This group includes designs, tessellations, transformations etc. The finished work must have an underlying mathematical theme and must be accompanied by a portfolio showing the design process and be either A4 or A3 in size. No other size will be accepted.

3D Artwork (for 1 or 2 students only) This category includes geometrical solids, mobiles, sculpture, models and collages. Up to 20 words are allowed for titles and labels.

Poetry and Creative Writing (for INDIVIDUALS only) The writing must be original and well presented. There is no restriction on form. There is a maximum of 200 words, presented on one side of an A4 or A3 page. illustrations are acceptable.

Diagrams and

Writing with a positive view of mathematics will be at an

advantage in the judging.

Central Design for Next Year (for INDIVIDUALS only) The design must be on A4 size paper. The winning design may be used in next year’s promotional poster. Computer-generated designs are acceptable but hand-drawn designs will not be disadvantaged. Care and accuracy in presentation is vital.

Maths in the Energy Industry Project (for 1, 2 or 3 students only) Requirements are as for the Individual Project but the project must explore and relate to mathematics in the Energy Industry.

IT Project (for 1, 2 or 3 students only) This project involves using programmes such as Flash, Powerpoint, or similar software, etc to create a presentation. The finished work must have an underlying mathematical theme. The project is to be submitted on a CD for judging and a hard copy must also be provided to be exhibited. The physical dimensions and requirements of the hard copy are as for the Individual Project.

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Individual Projects (for INDIVIDUALS only)

This section is for topics that are not statistical in nature. Exhibits must have supporting written material that shows research and/or investigative skills and/or design processes. Projects must be no larger than 1200mm wide by 600mm deep by 800mm high. Backing and sides for the project are suggested. The venue will have some display boards for posters and tables for standing displays. We strongly recommend that projects be free standing. No computers or electronic equipment are to be on display. Projects requiring participation by visitors (by pushing buttons, levers, etc) will be accepted, and must be designed so that they are fool-proof, robust and do not require operation or explanation by the exhibitors. All items must be firmly attached so that they cannot be easily picked up and carried away by visitors. The Committee cannot be responsible for any losses or damage. Protective coverings and “Do Not Touch” signs may be used.

Group Projects (for 2 or 3 students only) Requirements are the same as for Individual Projects.

Class Projects - Primary Year 7 to 8 (for the WHOLE CLASS) Requirements are the same as for Individual Projects.

Everyone in the class must be

involved in producing the exhibit.

Class Projects - Secondary Year 9 to 10 (for the WHOLE CLASS) Requirements are the same as for Individual Projects.

Everyone in the class must be

involved in producing the exhibit.

Statistical Projects (for 1, 2 or 3 students only) Requirements are as for Individual Projects, except that projects must have a survey or statistical theme.

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Teams’ Quiz Competition Note: Schools are expected to supply teachers as markers for the Quiz evenings.

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A team may have a MAXIMUM of four competitors. Registered schools may enter up to TWO teams per level. Composite teams formed from different year levels may be entered but they must take part in the quiz intended for the higher level, e.g., a composite Year 7 and 8 team must be entered in the Year 8 competition.

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Apart from pens, pencils, rulers and scientific (non-programmable) calculators, NO other MATHEMATICAL AIDS are allowed. Please make sure that this rule is followed as infringement may lead to the disqualification of a team.

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The quiz consists of 20 questions and runs for 30 minutes. Sample questions can be purchased from CMA: http://www.canterburymaths.org.nz/order-products/.

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A question answered correctly on the first attempt scores five marks.

If answered

correctly on the second attempt it scores four marks and so on, until the minimum mark of one mark is reached.

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Each question must be attempted at least twice before a team decides to ‘pass’ and move on to the next question.

• •

A team may NOT go back and re-attempt a “passed” question. Teams should not spend too long on any single question. A useful strategy is to attempt as many questions as possible.

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In the event of a tie for first, second or third place, only the tied teams will answer a tiebreaker question to decide the final placing.

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Ensure that your teams are present at least 20 minutes before they are due to start. The quizzes will start at the advertised time and any late teams will run the risk of disqualification.

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Prizes Competition Prizes

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Prize values for the four project categories are: First Second Third

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Prize values for the class project category are: First

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$90 cash or voucher per group. $60 cash or voucher per group. $30 cash or voucher per group

$120 cash per class.

Prize values for all other display categories are: First Second Third

$40 cash or voucher or book per entry. $25 cash or voucher or book per entry. $15 cash or voucher or book per entry.

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The awarding of prizes is at the discretion of the judges.

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At the discretion of the judges’, Merit certificates may be awarded.

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The judges’ decisions are final and no communication will be entered into.

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At the discretion of sponsors, equivalent prizes may be awarded.

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Prizes not claimed on the night of the Prize Giving will be forwarded to the school. The committee is not responsible or liable for unclaimed prizes after the Prize Giving.

Grand Prize

An overall GRAND PRIZE of $300 will also be awarded to an individual or group for the most outstanding exhibit. The prize is an extra $200 in cash for the winning person or group plus $100 in book vouchers, or cash, to their school.

Teams’ Quiz Competition Prizes

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For each of the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 Teams’ Quiz, the following prizes will be awarded: First Second Third

Trophy and $120 cash (i.e. $30 per person). $80 cash (i.e. $20 per person). $40 cash (i.e. $10 per person).

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Display Guidelines Headings

• • •

Give your project a short descriptive title. Ensure that this main heading is bold and prominently placed. If the title is chosen mainly to attract attention, use subtitles or a brief statement which outlines the aim and purpose of the project.

Text

• • • • • • •

Use neat printing if you are unable to use a computer. Letters are more readable if they are more than 5mm high. Print in black or a dark colour. Well-spaced lines are easier to read. Tables of figures are not usually read. Make sure that your spelling is correct. Emphasise the mathematical content of your work.

Diagrams

• • •

Graphs and diagrams attract more attention than blocks of text or tables. Diagrams drawn in ink are more attractive than pencil drawings. Use colour carefully; some colours have more impact than others.

Layout

• • • • •

Aim to have an eye-catching and attractive presentation. Have a central theme and try not to overcrowd your display. If you have a three-sided exhibit that folds out, spread the wings to show all the display. Choose the background colour carefully. Short, clear statements are more effective than blocks of text.

Work that does not meet public display standard will not be exhibited. Teachers, please encourage high standards of presentation and pre-screen entries.

Please

ensure that each student’s first and last name is on the label, correctly spelt and that the category is correct.

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Labelling Exhibits Labels should be photocopied onto the appropriate colour paper as shown below Year 7 :

Red

Year 8:

Yellow

Year 9:

Green

Year 10:

Blue

Please make sure your students’ exhibit labels are clear and contain: 1. Both a first name and surname of each student (correctly spelt). 2. The school name. Note for St Joseph’s schools – please ensure it is clearly marked which St Joseph’s you are from
3. The correct category All labels must be attached securely to the exhibit. The organising committee cannot take responsibility for exhibits without labels or whose labels have become detached.

Copies of labels sheet can be downloaded from the website www.tma.org.nz

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Project Ideas Applications of Mathematics supermarkets; bridges; projectiles; surveying; buying a car; flight; gears

Mathematics in stamps Mathematics in the home - building; decorating; budgeting Mathematics in the occult

Archimedean solids

Mathematics in the zoo

Boolean Algebra

Mathematics in transport

Boomerangs - history and dynamics Calculating devices

- car; travel; roads; maps Mathematics of growth

Coins - shape and symmetry

-

humans; animals;

Currency conversions

-

plants

Driving statistics Flight and aerodynamics

Mathematics of recreation - holidays; hobbies

Geometry of a catenary

Measurement of time

Geometry on a cylindrical surface

Measuring devices

Graphs

Moebius strips

History of a Mathematical event

Naval strategy and war games

History of number

Olympic or Commonwealth Games

History of values of
, e

Paper darts

How to lie with Statistics

Perfect numbers

Life of a particular mathematician

Plane projections of the Earth

Logarithmic scales

Platonic solids

Mathematics and family trees

Pythagoras’ Theorem

- a ‘real life’ example of relations;

Pythagorean triples

statistical research

Rouleaux triangle - rotary engine

Mathematics and sport –

Roman numerals

-scoring systems

Sequences

-statistics

Simulations and modelling

Mathematics and the weather

Square roots without calculators

Mathematics in the workplace

Symmetry and logos

Mathematics in crystals

Symmetry in nature

Mathematics in music

The binary system

Mathematics in nature

The duodecimal system

Methanex Maths Maths Spectacular Booklet Methanex Spectacular2014 2014Information Information Booklet

Further Ideas Braille

Navigation

Calculation of


Nim

Codes

Pascal’s Triangle

Conic Sections

Pentagrams

e

Pentominoes

Euclid’s algorithm

Pick’s Theorem

Flexigons

Prime numbers

Gambling

Pyramids

Genetics

Rubik’s Cube

Geodesics

Series

Harmonic motion

Slide Rules

Harmonographs

Statistical surveys

Hexominoes

Tangrams

Kepler’s Laws

Tessellations

Kites

The Abacus

Knots

The Calendar

Magic Squares

The Parabola

Maps and scales

Topology

Mazes

Tower of Hanoi

Napier’s Bones

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To STUdENTS FRoM y ENTRy oPEN To STUdENTS FRoM yEA ENTRy oPEN To STUdENTS FRoM Methanex Spectacular2013 2014Information Information Booklet Methanex Maths Maths Spectacular Booklet

Please support our generous sponsors

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AWE Taranaki Ltd Quiz Nights | Years 9 & 10: Thursday 2nd August | Years 7 & 8: Frid Major Sponsor: Quiz Sponsor: hts | Years 9 & 10: Thursday Teams’ 2nd August | Years 7 & AWE Taranaki Ltd Quiz Nights | Years 9 & 10: Thursday 2nd August | Year

Major Associate Sponsors:

Major Associate Sponsors:

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Supporting Sponsors: Supporting Sponsors:

Subsidiary Sponsors: