By Renae Brown

   With competitions, test practice and fun, what’s not to like about Math Society? 

   Math Society, one of Tempe Preparatory Academy’s extracurricular clubs, typically spends its days exploring math phenomena, engaging in activities and doing projects. 

   In 2024, Math Society has participated in two off-campus competitions, Scottsdale Community College’s Math and Science Field Day along with Chandler-Gilbert College’s Excellence in Mathematics. 

   Skill-building such as collaboration and public speaking go right along with contests, and they provide opportunities to grow closer within the club and meet other mathematicians. Nonetheless, such encounters are also fun and exhibit interesting problems, including STEM projects and math modeling. Club president Taryn Hamilton said over email, “I think (competitions) are really great opportunities to hang out with fellow math fanatics!”

    Math Society helps its members prepare for tests including the PSAT, SAT and ACT as well as future math encounters. 

   On-campus contests include the American Mathematics Competition, a computerized test and the State Math Competition, a paper test. 

   The number of members who compete range from four to 15, with active club members given priority, and the only requirement is that participants have paid for the club. Math Society has 21 members, but only 10-15 are regulars. 

   Dr. Wallington chaperoned both competitions this year, and it was due to Madame Doran that a large number of students were able to attend Scottsdale Community College’s Math and Science Field Day. 

   It’s not all test prep and contests, however, as alternate club activities include topics such as the mathematics behind bubble formation, probability using card tricks, blookets and much more. 

   As Taryn said by email, “I really enjoy Math Society. … I recommend it to anyone because it can offer great opportunities. Whether you like math or not, there is something for everyone.”