F.A.Q.
1. When and where is the Maths Fair held?
The Maths Fair is held in June every two years (in even years) in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne, Parkville campus. See map
The exact date is announced about six months before each Fair is held.
2. When does the Maths Fair start and finish?
The Maths Fair is a one-day fair usually running from 8.45am-3.30pm.
3. Is there a cost to attend?
No, the fair is FREE! Register here
4. Is morning tea and lunch supplied?
Morning tea will be provided for all participants. Students should bring their own lunch or they can purchase lunch from shops on campus. Lunch will be provided for all teachers.
5. Do I have to register for the Maths Fair?
Yes, you must register to attend the Maths Fair.
6. How do I register for the Maths Fair?
You need to register as part of a school team. Schools can register on the WEB or download a pdf version of the form and send it to Belinda Taylor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, 3010.
7. Is there a quota on the number of students or schools registering for the Maths Fair?
Due to venue constraints, the Maths Fair is limited to 320 participants in total. Once 320 participants have registered for the fair, schools will be placed on a waiting list. So register early to avoid disappointment!
8. Is there a quota on the number of students per school registering for the Maths Fair?
Schools are limited to a maximum of 15 students and 2 teachers attending the fair. Further, there is a limit of 2 MIT Challenge teams per school.
9. Who is the Maths Fair suitable for?
The Maths Fair is suitable for Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in mathematics.
10. Who is the MIT Challenge suitable for?
The MIT Challenge is designed for very strong Year 11 and 12 mathematics students.
11. What activities do students take part in if they do not do the MIT Challenge?
Students who do not enter the MIT Challenge take part in the Melbourne University Mathematical Society Problem Solving Competition and participate in sessions showing the fun side of mathematics.
go to Past Events page
12. What is the Melbourne University Mathematical Society (MUMS) Problem Solving Competition?
The MUMS Problem Solving Competition is a competition for teams of 2 or 3 students. The teams solve lots of very short maths problems for 1.5 hours. It is suitable for all Year 11 and 12 mathematics students.
13. What do teams need to bring for the MIT Challenge?
Teams will be provided with overhead projector pens and transparencies for the oral presentations and a booklet to present their written solution in. Each team should bring their own pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, scrap paper for rough calculations and calculators.
14. Do students need to use computing facilities in the MIT Challenge?
Students do not need to use any computing facilities in the MIT Challenge. Students are NOT expected to solve the problem but should concentrate on determining what are the key aspects of the problem and developing a solution approach.
15. Are computing facilities provided for the MIT Challenge?
Computers with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and printing facilities will be available. Students are welcome to bring their own laptop computers equipped with any software they desire.
16. Are there prizes for the two competitions?
As a guide: In 2006, the prizes for the MIT Challenge were:
First prize - $800 per team, Second prize - $600 per team, Third prize - $400 per team, Fourth prize $200 per team.
The prizes for the MUMS Problem Solving Competition were movie passes, chocolates and lots of lollies.
17. How do I get to Melbourne University by public transport?
The easiest way to get to the Maths Fair is to take any tram on Swanston Street and get off at the Melbourne University tram terminus. The Richard Berry building is opposite Faraday Street, near Gate 4 on Monash Road. See map
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