Registration now open for UHV math, robotics day
For the past decade, Ricardo Teixeira, associate professor of mathematics at University of Houston-Victoria, has prepared magic tricks, or “mathemagics” for the annual UHV Math & Robotics Awareness Day.
“Students get excited over the tricks,” Teixeira said. “I do different tricks every year to show the students how mathematics can be used to perform magic tricks.”
Area high school students will have an opportunity to learn more about technology and other math-based topics at the 25th annual Math & Robotics Awareness Day at UHV. The event is scheduled for April 23 at UHV University North, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. The event is free, and student registration is open through March 31.
“We are excited to host such a popular event that helps get students excited about math and science-based careers,” said Beverly Tomek, interim dean of the UHV School of Arts & Sciences. “This is a fun opportunity for area students to learn more about updates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to test their knowledge in math and science.”
Each year, up to 200 high school students from Victoria, Gonzales, DeWitt, Lavaca, Colorado, Wharton, Jackson, Calhoun, Goliad, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, Karnes and Matagorda counties come to UHV to take part in a day of events and activities centered around science and technology.
The event is funded by a grant from Alcoa Foundation. The grant also supports a UHV after-school robotics camp for high school students and summer math and robotics camps under the supervision of UHV computer science assistant professor Amjad Nusayr, who uses robotics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, including computer science. Alcoa Foundation is generously funding three summer camps for high school and middle school students.
“Students who are interested in these subjects really enjoy Math & Robotics Awareness Day,” said Teixeira, the event coordinator. “We appreciate Alcoa Foundation for its continuous support so that students in the area can learn more about math and technology.”
In previous years, students who attended learned things such as the effects of artificial intelligence using the intelligent assistant Siri on their Apple devices. This year, students can expect speakers and presentations by UHV faculty members. Students who are in the after-school robotics camp at UHV also will provide a demonstration using NXT robotics kits and interact with attendees, Teixeira said. In addition, there will be a game show-style activity that students can play through their cellphones.
Students also will have the opportunity to compete in math tests for each grade level as well as take a computer science test. First-, second- and third-place winners for each grade level in the math contest and the top three overall winners in the computer science contest will receive an iPad and stylus pen.
To register a student or group of students for the UHV Math & Robotics Awareness Day, go to www.uhv.edu/stem-events.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
