The sum is greater than the parts

Forman Center students have begun practicing for the math Olympiad.  For these children, practice is not an individual effort, but an opportunity to collaborate. Today’s challenge was to figure out how many three-digit numbers with a five in the tens place are divisible by nine. Rather than being overwhelmed by the task, the students divided and conquered and had discussions about patterns as they went along. When they figured out the answer, they celebrated together and felt very accomplished. Their teacher, Lauren Almond, said it best, “It was adorable. And heartwarming. And reminded me why this place is so special.”