FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MATH CARNIVAL TO BENEFIT CHARITIES

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 19, 2002 - The Southeast Missouri Student Educators of Mathematics Organization (SEMO)² and the Department of Mathematics at Southeast Missouri State University will participate April 26 in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) eighth annual World's Largest Math Event, "Mathematics at the Fair," with all proceeds to be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis.

Events are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside of Johnson Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

NCTM's World's Largest Math Event promotes the beauty and utility of mathematics in everyday life. This year's theme, "Entertaining Mathematics," explores mathematics in the entertainment media. The theme of the math carnival at Southeast will be "Disney Entertainment."

College students as well as daycare and preschool children will participate in various carnival games, including a bean bag toss, ring toss, duck pond, twister and estimation games. The carnival will conclude with pies being thrown at the top three instructors who have earned the most money to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A food-eating contest will be held at noon and 12:30 p.m.

Last year, this event raised $800 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For more information, contact Dr. Tamela Randolph, Southeast associate professor of mathematics and (SEMO)² faculty advisor, at (573) 651-2774.