Scoop on the International Kangaroo Math Test Competition

Let the games begin! Such might be the words of the Paris-based Association Kangourou Sans Frontieres (AKSF), the international organization that oversees the annual Kangaroo Math Test. Schoolchildren in grades one through twelve anxiously await the third Thursday in March, when the test is given, with the same enthusiasm that college basketball fans look forward to March Madness.

What is the Kangaroo Math Test?

The Kangaroo Math Test is primarily an international effort to get students aged 7-18 engaged and excited in the subject of math. Students from first through 12th grades are invited to participate in the annual event, which is given on the same day all around the world.

In the United States, on the third Thursday in March, participating students go to designated testing centers in their local communities and are given 90 minutes to solve a series of math problems. The test is made up of 30 multiple choice questions, and in some cases, the numbers of math problems are reduced to just 24 questions.

How are questions determined?

Questions are determined well in advance of the actual test date at an annual meeting of all of the countries that offer the Mathematical Kangaroo test. Educators get together and come up with a common set of questions that will be used in each competition around the world. The AKSF makes allowances for some change in the questions for countries that request a slightly different version of the test for their students.

It would not be fair to ask an 8-year-old child to solve the same math problem as a 16-year-old. The questions are separated into six different age brackets and each bracket contains basic math problems that are straightforward and not too complicated in scope.

Results

After the students have taken the test, papers are graded and each child receives credit and an award for taking the test. Those students who get the best scores are given further recognition. Prizes are awarded for both participation and achievement. Participants may receive a souvenir such as a T-shirt or baseball cap with the logo of the event and those with the top scores may get more substantial prizes. Each country has discretion over the type and amount of prizes they award.

Purpose of the Kangaroo Math Test

As previously stated, the important thing about the competition is to foster enthusiasm for the subject of math. Students enjoy testing their skills in everything from addition and subtraction to algebra and geometry. It is not so much about the score a student receives, but simply the fact that they participated in the event.

When students get involved in this annual competition, they tell their friends and encourage others to join in on the fun. While some participants will pursue other school subjects more vigorously, a good number of children who take the no-pressure examination may go on to pursue math as a career or at least recognize how important it is to have a good understanding of math for use in everyday situations in life.

Origins of the Kangaroo Math Test

Growing out of the efforts of an Australian math teacher who started a math competition in his own country back in the 1980s, today’s Kangaroo event has grown every year to include more and more countries. The mathematician’s idea was furthered in 1991, when two men in Paris sought to bring such a math competition to Europe. The idea was very popular among a number of European countries, and became known as Mathematical Kangaroo, after the original idea that began in Australia.

Participating countries

Nearly 70 countries administer the Kangaroo Math Test. Notably absent on the list are China, Japan, and India. More countries are expected to join each year. It is the hope of the AKSF that every country will sponsor the annual event in the future.