Rockwell Automation Launches Milwaukee's First Math Week Dec. 14-18
Students and families surpass five-day 100,000 minute math learning challenge
Rockwell Automation, in partnership with MIND Research Institute and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), launched its first Milwaukee Math Week Challenge on Monday, Dec. 14, at 8 a.m. through midnight Friday, Dec. 18. With so many kids today relying on virtual schooling, Milwaukee Math Week offered a fun way for students and families to play a game together while strengthening core math, reading, and science skills.
Using a computer, tablet or smartphone, students and families were able to visit the game website www.mkemathweek.com to access free virtual math games and/or download game pieces directly from the site. The games are designed for kindergarten through 5th grade students and are in English and Spanish. Each game runs for about 30 minutes and uses a storybook-like instructional guide. The site was developed by MIND Research Institute, a nonprofit social impact organization specializing in neuroscience and education research.
“MIND Research Institute has created an amazing platform to help students have fun while learning core competencies like math and science,” said Patricia Contreras, vice president of Public Affairs at Rockwell Automation. “This game portal gives harried families a break by providing students and loved ones with a fun, interactive way to spend time together while strengthening key skills needed in our future workforce.”
Studies show that by 2022, there will be more than 9 million jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and that these positions are expanding faster than non-STEM jobs.
To launch the effort, students were invited to pick-up a limited supply of game pieces at select MPS locations. They also had an opportunity to receive stock boxes of non-perishable items donated by Rockwell Automation and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. On the afternoon of December 18, MIND announced Milwaukee area students and families surpassed the 100,000-minute benchmark!
While the Math Week Challenge ends Dec. 18, the site will remain active through early January so students may continue to access the tools throughout the winter break.
