About the Math Hackathon
Explorer Hop's Math Hackathon is a global math competition where contestants use math to solve one of our world's most pressing issues. The competition is open to students all around the world between the ages of 11 and 17 who are enrolled full-time in school. We welcome students of all different Math levels. Participants can join either as individuals (if they want to work on their project solo) or join as a group of 4 members (max), and work collaboratively with others.
This year's competition ran from June 4th to June 5th, 2022. Therefore, from the start of the competition, participants had 48 hours to submit their solution to the proposed problem for assessment by the Explorer Hop team. Following the assessment of all answers, participants were awarded prizes according to their rank, with the top finisher taking home a $100 gift card and the other contestants in the Top 10 receiving smaller prizes. All participants, however, received a certificate acknowledging their effort and completion of the hackathon.
If you feel that you're on the lesser experienced side and want to prepare first, there is still time to do so before the next competition (2023 dates: TBA). Please visit Explorer Hop's website and sign up for one of our many math programs now. These offerings have been individually curated and refined to cater to children and students from 6th grade (11 years old) to 12th grade (18 years old) so check them out now if you want to boost your math skills prior to our next hackathon (2023 dates: TBA)!
Young Math Whiz Max Chan on His Experience
The Explorer Hop team interviewed Math Hackathon participants on their experiences to help prepare future students and offer them insight into what it's like to compete.
Read on for a written version of our interview with Max (Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada).
EH: How did you hear about this hackathon?
Max: My school sent me an email that they sent to all the students who are interested in math.
EH: What's your favourite subject right now?
Max: Math. It's really fun and I really like it. Also, science.
EH: What do you like about math?
Max: I really enjoy using logical thinking skills. I know I have that skill and I really like to think in that way. I kind of want to solve problems using math just to help [others] or just to fulfill myself.
EH: Is the population density in your area high or low?
Max: Kind of less populated. The population density here I know is not high because the place here is big and there are not many people here, basically.
EH: Is the population density a problem?
Max: Like Hong Kong is a place with really really high population density. It's all crowded wherever you just go down the streets, there's like a bunch of people. There are hygiene problems there. That's a really big problem. Then, the prices of specific products will be high because the population needs them. The pollution is also high.
EH: How do you think you can inspire more kids to be excited about math?
Max: I would probably play him or her some videos about math, like a Ted Talk, and how it applies to our lives.