The 15th Annual University of Rhode Island Calc-Bowl brought together mathematical minds from across the state, as teams from high schools and Naval Academy students competed in a fast-paced calculus showdown on April 2.
The URI Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematical Sciences hosted the event in the Swan Hall Auditorium. The event Calc-Bowl was sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, along with the university’s Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. This year’s event featured more than a dozen teams from across Rhode Island, all vying for the coveted first-place title in what has become an event for the state’s budding mathematicians.
“We were thrilled to see so many students excited about mathematics,” Li Wu, professor of mathematics and lead organizer of the Calc-Bowl said. “This event is all about celebrating problem-solving and critical thinking — and having fun doing it.”
The competition followed a buzzer-based format reminiscent of a quiz bowl, with teams of three to five teams racing to solve multiple-choice problems projected on screen. Each question, rooted in topics ranging from derivatives and integrals to limits and algebraic manipulation, tested both individual acumen and team coordination. To ensure fairness, participants were required to have completed at least a Calculus I course, but not advanced beyond Calculus II.
More than just a math contest, the Calc-Bowl has become a way for people to celebrate critical thought, according to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Thomas Stubblefield
“It’s a gateway to understanding the universe,” Dean of the College of Arts and sciences Thomas Stubblefield said. “Our faculty is dedicated to helping you see the beauty and the power of mathematics.”
An annual event for over a decade, the Calc-Bowl has grown in size and recognition, gaining participation from both public and private institutions. The competition served as a chance for students to explore opportunities in STEM and gain experience in this field.
Faculty volunteers and graduate students from URI, along with teachers from participating high schools, played an essential role in executing the event, serving as question writers, moderators, proctors and scorers.
All participating teams received certificates of recognition, math-themed prizes and the opportunity to participate in an academic challenge.
For more information about the Calc-Bowl or to inquire about participation in future events, visit math.uri.edu/calcbowl.
