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Teams from Lakeside and Taylors Falls elementary schools competed at the annual Math Masters competition Friday, May 4 in St. Paul.

The Math Masters of Minnesota competition is designed to promote excellence in thinking skills pertaining to mathematics.

It was created by Lewis Aase, a veteran elementary school principal, and Julia Buchanan Espe, an experienced director of programs for gifted students, both of whom continue to serve on the board of directors. Math Masters of Minnesota incorporated as an independent entity in 1995 and achieved non-profit status in early 1996.

The competition was founded upon research concerning the characteristics of mathematically gifted people, the traits of eminent mathematicians and females and math. The purpose of the program is to challenge students and schools to use higher-order thinking skills and problem solving abilities and to give recognition for academic effort and achievement.

In March and May of 2007, more than 4,000 students gathered at 32 sites around Minnesota as teams and individuals. These challenges are the culmination of a year-long preparation as team members work to improve their math skills. Math Masters includes individual and team competition in a wide range of math areas to permit students with many interests and backgrounds to excel.

This year the competition was held at Benjamin Mays Charter School in St. Paul.

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