A group of 15 Oxford High School students took first place in the Flint Metro League Math/Science Competition on March 18 at Holly High School.
Started in 1983, the competition tests students on individual and team levels in 12 different subject areas and three lab environments. The purpose of the event is to give students a chance to shine academically.
“They wanted a way to recognize academics,” said faculty representative and science teacher Karen Facca. “They wanted to recognize students who achieve in those areas.”
This is the first time in six or seven years that Oxford has been able to take part in the competition. The 15-member team contained students from all high school grade levels.
“This is the first time any of these students would have done this or heard about it,” explained Facca.
In individual competition, 13 of the 15 participants received medals with five first place finishes, four second place and four third place.
The individual competition had each student taking one 90-minute, standardized test in one of the 12 subject areas. Three of the students competed in a lab-type setting instead of taking a test. Most of the preparation for the competition came from daily classroom work; however, some students looked ahead at topics not yet covered in their course work.
“Some of the students decided to get a bit of a jump start by working ahead,” explained Facca. “Otherwise, everything comes directly from their classwork.”
Oxford did not fair as well in team competition – the group came in last, but still managed to pull off their overall first place.
“It’s kind of interesting considering the individual scores they achieved,” said Facca. “However, we emphasized for the kids to have fun this year. We didn’t work on using strategies really for this portion.”
The team competition involved placing all 15 members in one classroom and giving them 12 questions from the different subject areas to complete. The group had 20 minutes.
“The winner is determined by the total highest points between the individual and team portions,” Facca explained. “We had 50 points with our first place individual finishes alone.”
All of the students who participated in this year’s competition were chosen by staff members of the Oxford High School math and science departments. Facca said the teachers nominate members based on their grades, test taking ability and teamwork skills.
As long as there are no scheduling conflicts, Facca said the school plans on participating again. She also added that the math and science departments will be focusing a bit more on teaching the students some strategies for the team portion of the competition.
“This is the first time we’ve ever won,” stated Facca. “Now that we’ve seen how the competition works and how some of the other teams use strategies, we’ll be able to prepare even better next year.”