Teachers regularly adapt our weekly math challenge for classroom use, but many have asked for a challenge designed especially for the classroom.  We are happy to oblige.

 You see, we’re crazy about mathematics at Newton’s Window.  We love the depth of it and the rigor of it.  We love the stories and the heroes.  And we have the unshakeable belief that kids can love these parts of math too. 

 But too often, they never meet math’s heroes or plunge into its rigor. 

 We think it’s important for kids to meet the people whose struggle was to know a thing.  Sure, mountains are there to be climbed, and sports heroes can teach kids a lot, but the men and women who struggled with their minds have lessons to teach, too.  And kids seldom meet them.

 We’re going to change that.

 We want them to know that Isaac Newton danced.  That Archimedes laughed.  That Rene Descartes argued.  That Mary Fairfax Sommerville dreamed.  That Blaise Pascal wept.

 And that each of them closed their eyes and felt the power of the things they came to see, and understand.

 You’ll find the stories of the heroes of our subject gracing these pages often.  But this challenge is designed to have your kids meet them on their own.  

 In this challenge, a classroom of kids is asked to meet some of the heroes of math.  To learn about them.  To write about them.

 But not an ordinary essay -  not a 'when they lived and what they did' essay, but rather an essay about why they matter to you, why you picked them, what’s motivating about their lives, what you find inspiring, what speaks to you.

 It’s a contest.  Teachers are invited to send their class’s essays to us, either by email, or by U.S. mail.  We’re going to pick the best class (in different age categories to make it more fair), announce your accomplishment, and send the whole class a prize.  Send the whole stack – not just the best few.  Engage everyone.  We know skills vary.  No matter.  Our goal is to help provide a means for kids to meet and be inspired by the men and women behind the mathematics we teach them.

 We’ll include some of these essays, to share them with our readers (in a manner in which privacy is strictly protected).

 How to Do the Challenge: Pick a person from math’s rich history.  Research them, and see if something in their life and in their struggle inspires you, or connects with you. Tell us a bit about him or her.  Not just when they lived and what they did, but why you find them inspiring, what speaks to you and why.

 Who to pick, and where to look:  Your textbook may mention mathematicians in the sidebars.  The library has many books about math and math history, filled with great men and women and their stories.  And of course, encyclopedias and the internet are rich sources.  Don’t overlook mathematicians from other continents, and women mathematicians.

 What we’re looking for: A genuine, honest, real essay about who they were and why their story speaks to you, and inspires you. 

 Length: One page, approx. 250 words or less.

 Deadline: In order to qualify for the prizes, we need to receive the essays by May 17, 2000.  But you’re welcome to keep sending them in after that time, and we may include excerpts in our columns.

 You can email us, or send copies by U.S. Mail to Newton’s Window, P.O. Box 8706, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8706.  (Please send copies, or a stamped self-addressed return envelope if you want us to send them back.)

 Enjoy.  Their view of math will never be quite the same.