DU Program Expanding to Encourage Even More Budding Mathematicians

With interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects growing nationwide and regionally, the School of Education is expanding a program that encourages local elementary, middle school and high school students to accept the challenges that math offers.

To contribute to a strong pool of potential scientists, engineers and mathematicians, Duquesne is growing the Calcu-Solve program it has provided for years and will be hosting a regional playoff competition for the first time in late May, said Dr. Bob Furman, executive faculty in the School of Education’s Department of Foundations and Leadership, who developed the problem-solving event.

The II-VI Foundation has backed the competition since 2008-2009. With increasing foundation support, Duquesne is working to expand the competition across Pennsylvania, Furman said.

The Calcu-Solve program started with grades 5 and 6 in the Upper St. Clair School District in 1998-1999. Partnering with the II-VI Foundation, Duquesne has expanded the venture to include grades 5-12 by working with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Grove City College and Intermediate Unit No. 1 in Fayette, Green and Washington counties.

On Nov. 17, approximately 500 middle school students focused on math problem-solving and competed on campus for trophies and honors in the fall Calcu-Solve event.