The objective of Team Battelle Math Mentors/Coaches (TBMMC) project is to promote an increased level of comfort with math and/or to foster excitement about math in elementary/middle/high school students through several types of activities. The intent is to capitalize on the wealth of technically adept people that PNNL attracts and provide a useful service for local area schools through volunteer work.

Goals

The project aims to:

1. counteract the tendency for students to let math (and thus science/engineering) fall by the wayside, especially as they go through middle school
2. see that students have an opportunity to explore math (e.g., in Math Club activities or math competitions).

Challenges

Common challenges with implementing a math club include:

1. having a math mentor/coach to lead the activities
2. transportation to/from math competitions or club meetings
3. evoking student interest
4. funding for math competitions/activities.

The TBMMC project can assist directly with the first item and indirectly with others.

Roles and Activities

There are three key areas where volunteers can contribute. 

• Math club coaches -  volunteers typically meet weekly with students throughout the school year to teach math concepts, prepare for math contests, and explore math.
• Tutoring – volunteers help with the weekly in-person (at the public library) and online tutoring; volunteers can sign up as they are available.
• Help run local math contests – TBMMC volunteers help run math contests (including Math Is Cool) during January-April of the school year, helping with scoring, data entry, or proctoring in the 2-5 hour events.

Other volunteer activities include guest speaking, Pi Day, and writing problems for contests. Additional information on volunteer activities can be found on the project details page.

 If you have questions on getting involved, please contact the Project Director.