According to Jo Boaler, a mathematics professor at Stanford University, 50% of the U.S. population reports that they dislike math. The Math Club at SSU hopes to change that by fostering a community for math enthusiasts and sparking interest for those who may not enjoy the subject. Although tutoring is not one of the many activities offered, the club welcomes individuals who struggle with math and wish to develop a better understanding of the subject.
“Anyone is welcome to join the club, whether you have math courses or you don’t,” said Matthew Birtcher, the club’s president.
The Math Club offers a variety of engaging activities, including social gatherings with pizza, board games, discussions of different mathematical theories and opportunities to challenge oneself by solving equations provided by the club’s board. The mathematics department also hosts an annual “math picnic,” but this year’s event unfortunately had to be canceled due to flooding.
In addition to activities, the Math Club also offers funding for school-related math programs and events. The club recently organized a math contest at a local high school, where the winner received a partial scholarship for any math program offered at SSU. Through these events, the club aims to motivate and support young individuals pursuing math-related degrees.
With 14 members, the club is large enough to support these many activities but small enough to ensure all members have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions and be a part of the community. At the beginning of each semester, the Math Club reaches out to members via email to determine the best days and times for meetings. Updates and notifications about upcoming events are forwarded to all members and staff via email. While the dates and times of meetings are not set for this semester, they are typically held in the afternoon. Individuals interested in joining the club may contact John Whitaker via email.
As for the future of the Math Club, Matthew Birtcher expressed his desire for newer, higher-quality facilities such as a new chalkboard and other “quality of life” additions for the club. With its commitment to fostering a community for math enthusiasts of all skill levels and inspiring youth to explore the field, the Math Club at SSU strives to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
