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How Math Masters Works

Each year, over 5,000 4th – 6th grade students gather at over 60 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin to compete as individuals and on teams. Sixth grade competitions are most often held in March, while 4th and 5th grade competitions typically occur in April. Each competition is the culmination of special preparation during which students work to improve math skills.

* Teachers, coaches and parents select a competition and register their students. After registration is complete and payment received, a competition packet is sent to the coach.

* Start practicing! Order a practice packet or use your own classroom materials.

* On competition day, students gather to compete, have fun and make new friends. Competitions usually last several hours and include a short break with snacks. Everyone gets a t-shirt!

* All competitors participate as individuals in three Individual rounds (two rounds for 4th grade) and the Fact Drill round. 

* Most competitors in all three grades are registered as part of a team, and also participate in three Team rounds. 

* Top finishers in each competition category (Fact Drill, Individual and Team) receive awards, including plaques, medallions and ribbons. All participants receive a participation certificate.

Competition test materials are carefully prepared by math department faculty members at St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict / Saint John’s University. Seven – eight rounds of problems cover the following mathematical areas:

  • 4th Grade Concepts include: Logical reasoning, Properties of numbers, Two-dimensional geometry, Measurement (non-metric), Time, Decimals, Landmark percent, Landmark fractions, Money, Numeration, Charts, Graphs (line, bar, circle, pictograms, frequency), Basic probability
  • 5th Grade Concepts include: Logical reasoning, Properties of numbers, Geometry, Measurement, Time, Decimals, Percent, Fractions, Money, Numeration, Charts, Graphs, Statistics, Probability
  • 6th Grade Concepts include: Properties of numbers, Geometry, Sequences, Series, Pre-algebra, Decimals, Percent, Fractions, Money, Numeration, Time, Charts, Graphs, Statistics, Probability

Learn more on our FAQs page.