Math Modeling, run by Ms. Durost, is the math course at MAMS. Unlike a typical math course however, math modeling aims to uncover the core mechanics behind problem solving and apply these techniques to complex math problems. We typically have problems of the week (POWs), math modeling problems, math competitions, and more traditional worksheets where we are encouraged to dig deeper into the reasons as to why methods work, rather than just accepting them at face value.
This is the practice version of HiMCM, a timed math competition in which we are given a complex math modeling problem to solve. My group (Aashriya Das, Nichelle Thinagar, Sam Wheatley, and Prisha Nair) and I chose to do “The Rollercoaster Problem”, which aimed to look at how rollercoasters could be organized by objective data, rather than subjective data.
MTFC is another math modeling problem, however it is given in a bigger time frame. We are tasked with identifying an issue and its associated risks, before modeling a solution with our group that can help mitigate those risks. My group (Liam Bratane, Ruchir Kafle, Aashriya Das, and Suhrit Ghosh) and I decided to look at how to mitigate the risks of gaming on the mental health of children. We chose this prompt because with the rise of technology and overall access to it, it is important to analyze how this access can negatively impact kids.