Belize Math Olympiad
Student Handbook
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Student Handbook
Third Edi on
December 2010
Belize Math Olympiad
“Stimulating Enthusiasm and Critical Thinking through Mathematical
Creativity”
Social Security Board
Belmopan, Belize, 2010
The Belize Math Olympiad is a goodwill program
sponsored by the Social Security Board to give back
to the community.
It is also an effort to stimulate
enthusiasm and love for Mathematics. The competition is
organized as a team-based contest for Secondary Schools.
This publication is primarily intended to assist the secondary
school students and their teachers in preparing for the annual
Belize Math Olympiad (BMO). It documents the general
execution of the BMO and may be of interest to persons who
enjoy learning mathematics through games. It is important
to be aware that while the Belize Math Olympiad Planning &
Execution Committee (BMOPEC) has taken every effort to
ensure accuracy and completeness, this manual should not be
taken as the final law governing the BMO. Various aspects of
the organization and execution of the BMO can change without
notice. This Handbook cannot be used as a legal instrument.
Secondary Schools who receive this Handbook are to ensure
proper storage until another revised edition is issued. Revision
will be done at the sole discretion of the Social Security Board.
Belize Math Olympiad Planning & Execution Committee
c/o Social Security Board
P.O. Box 18
Bliss Parade
Belmopan, Cayo District
Belize, Central America
Phone: (501) 822-2513 / 2163 / 2471
Fax: (501) 822-0207
Email: bmo@socialsecurity.org.bz
Website: http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/THERPROGRAMS/
TheBelizeMathOlympiad/GeneralInformation.aspx
© 2010 by Social Security Board
HANDBOOK COMPILATION
Office of Strategic Management, Social Security Board
Executive Editor
Leticia Vega
Design & Layout
Armid Haylock
Maricela Itza
Acknowledgements
The Social Security Board, proud sponsor of the Belize
Math Olympiad
The Belize Math Olympiad Planning and Execution
Committee
The Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools
All secondary schools in Belize
All co-partners, fans and supporters of the Belize Math
Olympiad
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------- 1
1.1 What is the Belize Math Olympiad? ----------------------------------------------1
1.1.1 Mission of the BMO ----------------------------------------------------------1
1.1.2 Vision of the BMO ------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 Chronicles of the BMO -------------------------------------------------------------2
2. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES ------------------------------------- 5
2.1 Qualifying conditions: high schools ----------------------------------------------5
2.2 Qualifying conditions: participants -----------------------------------------------9
2.3 Social Security Card as a requirement to participate in the BMO ------------9
2.4 Expectations of all applicants---------------------------------------------------- 11
2.5 Recommended team selection process ----------------------------------------- 11
2.5.1 Method 1: point system elimination--------------------------------------- 12
2.5.2 Method 2: knock-out elimination------------------------------------------ 12
3. COMMUNICATION WITH HIGH SCHOOLS AND
THE BMO PLANNING AND EXECUTION COMMITTEE - 13
3.1 BMO Liaison Officers ------------------------------------------------------------ 13
3.2 Contacts for participating High Schools --------------------------------------- 13
3.2.1 Main contact person --------------------------------------------------------- 14
3.2.2 Alternate contact person ---------------------------------------------------- 14
3.3 E-mails to the BMO Program Coordinator ------------------------------------ 14
3.4 The BMO webpage --------------------------------------------------------------- 15
3.5 Confirmation and withdrawal ---------------------------------------------------- 15
3.6 Keeping participants informed -------------------------------------------------- 15
3.7 Travel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
4. COMPETITION STRUCTURE ------------------------------------- 16
4.1 Regional and National Competitions ------------------------------------------- 16
4.2 Hosting of competitions ---------------------------------------------------------- 16
5. GAME PLAY ------------------------------------------------------------ 19
5.1 The stage layout ------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
5.2 BMO working kit for students --------------------------------------------------- 19
5.3 Participants orientation to the game -------------------------------------------- 20
5.4 The questions databank ----------------------------------------------------------- 20
5.5 The game format ------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
5.6 BMO screens----------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
5.7 Time allotments-------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
5.8 Point system------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30
5.9 Understanding the slammer system --------------------------------------------- 32
5.10 Match I and Match II ------------------------------------------------------------ 32
5.11 Final Match ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
5.12 Tie Breaker Round -------------------------------------------------------------- 35
5.13 Announcement of winners ------------------------------------------------------ 35
5.14 Prizes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 35
6. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ----------------------------------------- 37
6.1 Switching to an alternate --------------------------------------------------------- 37
6.2 Judging------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 37
6.3 Committing a foul ----------------------------------------------------------------- 37
6.4 Challenging a response ----------------------------------------------------------- 37
6.5 Disqualification -------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
6.6 Professionalism -------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
6.7 School spirit ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 38
6.8 Safety and vandalism ------------------------------------------------------------- 39
LIST OF FIGURES -------------------------------------------------------- 40
APPENDIX ----------------------------------------------------------------- 41
Appendix A: Winning Poem of Poetry Contest ------------------------------------ 41
Appendix B: Lyrics of Belize Math Olympiad Jingle ---------------------------- 42
Appendix C: Bloom’s Taxonomy ---------------------------------------------------- 43
1. INTRODUCTION
This section offers the reader insight of the definition, history, and trademarks of the Belize Math
Olympiad (BMO).
1.1 What is the Belize Math Olympiad?
The Belize Math Olympiad, also known as the BMO, is an exciting annual mathematics contest for
secondary school students designed, sponsored, and executed by the Social Security Board (SSB) to
be a life changing experience for its participants and supporters. The BMO mission and vision are
outlined below.
1.1.1 Mission of the BMO
•
To positively influence the average mathematical performance at the secondary level
•
To stimulate enthusiasm and love for mathematics
•
To develop mathematical flexibility in solving problems
•
To strengthen mathematical creativity and ingenuity
•
To promote team and school spirit
•
To provide satisfaction, joy and thrill in meeting challenges
•
To illustrate the importance of mathematics in everyday life
1.1.2 Vision of the BMO
To influence national development through the promotion of Mathematics at the secondary school
level.
The BMO allows high school students an opportunity to compete at the regional and national levels
and benefits those who will sit the Mathematics Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC)
at the basic and general levels. The questions are selected from several areas of mathematics and are
not only consistent with the topics and degree of difficulty in the national secondary school curricula,
but are also placed within the Belizean context to make them more relevant. The solutions require
application of mathematical knowledge and skills parallel to the expected level of performance in the
secondary school system. All questions used throughout the Regional and National Competitions are
consistent with the Mathematics CSEC Syllabus.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
1
1.2 Chronicles of the BMO
The SSB decided to celebrate its 25th anniversary of service to Belizeans with an entire year of
activities in 2006. One of these activities was intended to have a positive far-reaching impact on all
social security stakeholders and on national development. When brainstorming the different options
on high school competitions, the Principal of Bishop Martin High School at that time, Mr. Rene
Constanza, presented the idea of a national math Olympiad. Mrs. Leticia Vega, member of the SSB’s
25th Anniversary Committee, embraced the suggestion and presented it to the Committee. The CEO
of the SSB and the Anniversary Committee approved the idea of a national mathematics competition
in an effort to improve performance in the national CSEC Mathematics results.
At that time, there was no national math competition within Belize. Only two high schools hosted
Math competitions at their schools; Muffles College had the “The Muffles College Math-A-Mania”
(headed by Ms. Irma Briceño and Mrs. Antonia Magaña) and Bishop Martin High School had “The
Bishop Martin High School Math Olympiad” (headed by Mr. Angel Leiva and Mrs. Lorelie Torres).
SSB sought advice from these schools in the development of a national Math competition. SSB also
sought advice from Bowen and Bowen Co. Ltd. since they hosted their own annual national Spelling
B contest.
Following consultation with the Quality Assurance and Development Service in the Ministry of
Education, the Belize Association of Principals for Secondary Schools (BAPSS), the University of
Belize (UB), the Bishop Martin High School, and other key stakeholders in the education community,
the SSB approved sponsorship of an annual national competition, dubbed “The Belize Math Olympiad”.
On September 15, 2006, the SSB launched its Belize Math Olympiad initiative. In line with the
Board’s commitment to encourage participation and interest in the BMO, the Board sponsored a logo,
theme, poetry (Appendix A), and mascot design competition amongst high school students in an effort
to create the BMO’s brand (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The BMO Jingle (Appendix B) was also produced
to complement the competition’s branding.
Competition
Winner’s Name
Winning Entry
Institution
Theme
Ashanti Garcia &
Shanidi Chell
Stimulating Enthusiasm and Critical
Thinking through Mathematical
Creativity
Sacred Heart College &
Bishop Martin High School
Logo
Vicky Chan
See Figure 2
Eden S.D.A. High School
Poetry
Rochelle Leslie
Mathistics (Appendix A)
St. Michael’s High School
Mascot
Design
Marlon Solomon
Mathebot - Robot with the power of
Math
Stann Creek Ecumenical
College
Figure 1: BMO brand by author
2
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Figure 2: The BMO Trademark
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
3
The CEO, under the technical advice of British Honduras Publicity, approved the acquisition of the
hardware needed to enhance the game using the most modern technology at that time. The first BMO,
under the coordination of Mrs. Vega, was hosted in February and March of 2007 at the UB Gymnasium
in Belmopan, and had 39 schools participating (participation rate of 76.5%). After a series of highly
competitive games, St. John’s College was victorious and became the first Belize Math Olympiad
Champion (Figure 3).
In 2008, Mrs. Deborah Ruiz led the planning and execution of the BMO; 44 schools participated
(participation rate of 88.0%). This competition was also hosted centrally, in Belmopan. The Corozal
Community College won the 2008 Belize Math Olympiad (Figure 3).
In the second half of 2008, the CEO of the SSB took the decision to decentralize the hosting of the
2009 BMO and to assign the coordination of the BMO to the Office of Strategic Management (OSM).
The OSM is currently leading the planning and execution of the BMO under the coordination of Mrs.
Vega.
In 2009, the competitions were hosted in Orange Walk Town (Northern Region), Belize City (Central
Region) Dangriga (Southern Region), and Belmopan (Western Region). Thirty nine schools (75.0%
of all eligible high schools) participated in this competition, which ended with the Belize Christian
Academy as the 2009 Belize Math Olympiad Champion (Figure 3).
In 2010, the BMO team also travelled to the different regions to coordinate the competitions, just as in
2009. Thirty nine schools (72.2% of all eligible secondary schools) participated in that year’s event.
San Pedro High School won the 2010 Belize Math Olympiad (Figure 3).
Year
2007
Region
Central B
School
St. John’s College
Students
Eric Alamina
Christopher Waight
2008
North A
Corozal Community College
Bertina Lopez
Lian-Jeng Liu
Lian-Sheng Liu
Marion Carter
2009
West
Belize Christian Academy
Julie Park
Llka Jacobs
Ann Jeun
Edward Kim
2010
Central A
San Pedro High School
Giovanni Kay
Emilie Gomez
Jing Han
Vicky Balam
Figure 3: BMO champions 2007 - 2010
4
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
2. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This section provides specific guidelines on what is expected from high schools and students
participating in the BMO.
2.1 Qualifying conditions: high schools
The following conditions need to be met in order for a high school to be considered for participation
in the BMO:
•
High school must be based in Belize and accredited with the Ministry of Education as a
secondary school (high schools that do not have a four-year program will be treated on a case
by case basis).
•
The team representing each high school must have two members from among the Junior (1st
and/or 2nd Forms) and two members from among the Senior (3rd and/or 4th Forms) levels.
•
High school must have an alternate for each team member. Therefore, each high school
should have eight students registered during the competition (Figure 4).
•
Applications for participation in the BMO must include the school’s official stamp and the
signature of the high school’s principal to be considered for entry (Figure 4 and Figure 5).
•
High school is required to ensure that a parent or guardian complete a permission form
(Figure 5 and Figure 6) for each participant of the BMO. This form should be completed
and returned to the school.
•
High school is required to pre-register their students participating in the BMO, prior to the
day of the competition. This should be done by completing the registration forms (Figure 4,
Figure 5, and Figure 6) and submitting it to the BMO Planning and Execution Committee
(BMOPEC) by the deadline given.
Note: The SSB reserves the right to accept or deny entry to a high school.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
5
UxÄ|éx `tà{ bÄçÅÑ|tw
Team Entry Form
Bliss Parade, Belmopan, Cayo District
E-mail: bmo@socialsecurity.org.bz
Phone: 822 - 2163 | 2471 | 2513
Fax: 822-0207
Website: www.socialsecurity.org.bz/OTHERPROGRAMS/TheBelizeMathOlympiad/GeneralInformation.aspx
Date _________________
Please type or print.
School ________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________
School Address ______________________________________________________________________________
Fax ___________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________
Main Contact Person _____________________________ Alternate Contact ____________________________
I hereby confirm that the team listed below was fairly selected for entry, that our team
meets the eligibility criteria, that we have obtained their parents’ / guardians’ approval for
participation, and that they will be participating in the upcoming session of the Belize Math
Olympiad.
School
Stamp
Junior
TEAM MEMBERS
(SSN=Social Security Number)
1 ______________________________ of Form ______________SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
Senior
2 _____________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
3 _____________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
4 _____________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
Junior
1 ______________________________ of Form ______________SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
Senior
ALTERNATE TEAM MEMBERS
3 _____________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
2 ______________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
4 _____________________________ of Form _____________ SSN: ______________ Email: ____________
Principal’s Name
Signature
Date
DECLARATION: This is to confirm that the above team was submitted to participate in the 20__ Belize Math Olympiad,
and that they fit the eligibility criteria.
__________________________
Liaison Officer’s Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
___________________________
Signature
Please enroll by the Second Friday in December of 20__.
A team consists of four (4) students. All participants must be from the same school and registered with Social Security and posses a valid Social Security Card..
Persons signing the Entry Form MUST make all reasonable effort to ensure all information provided is factual.
Any fraudulent declaration made and or cheating confirmed may result in penalty and or sanction by the BMO Committee - may include repossession of prizes
demotion of winning status, and or removal from future Belize Math Olympiad activities.
Names of participants that are submitted cannot be changed a week before any competition..
A legible copy of each team member’s Social Security Card must accompany forms submitted.
Figure 4: Team Entry Form
6
_______________________
Date
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
UxÄ|éx `tà{ bÄçÅÑ|tw
Permission Form
Bliss Parade, Belmopan, Cayo District
E-mail: bmo@socialsecurity.org.bz
Phone: 822 - 2163| 2471| 2513
Fax: 822-0207
Website: www.socialsecurity.org.bz/OTHERPROGRAMS/TheBelizeMathOlympiad/GeneralInformation.aspx
Please type or print.
Date _________________
School ________________________________________
Phone _________________________________
Fax ___________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________
School Address __________________________________________________________________________
Dear Parent / Guardian,
Your child has been selected to participate in the 20__ Belize Math Olympiad. Please sign below
if you are willing to provide your support and give approval for his / her participation.
Approval for Participation
I hereby approve for my child ________________________________ to participate in the 20__ Belize Math
Olympiad, and pledge my support in helping him / her to prepare for the competition.
Parent’s Name
Or Guardian’s Name
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
School
Stamp
____________________
Principal’s Name
________________________
Signature
__________________
Date
1.
Entry of students into the Belize Math Olympiad shall require parents’ / guardians’ approval and support.
2.
Please submit to Belize Math Olympiad Planning & Execution Committee by the second Friday in December of 20__.
Figure 5: Permission Form
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
7
UxÄ|éx `tà{ bÄçÅÑ|tw
Minor Release and Consent Form
Bliss Parade, Belmopan, Cayo
E-mail: bmo@socialsecurity.org.bz
Phone: 822 - 2163| 2471| 2513
Fax: 822-0207
Website: www.socialsecurity.org.bz/OTHERPROGRAMS/TheBelizeMathOlympiad/GeneralInformation.aspx
Please type or print.
Name of child
School
I acknowledge that I am the parent/guardian of the child named above and that I have read
this consent and release form and fully understand and intend to be legally bound by its
content. I consent to the unrestricted use without payment by the Social Security Board and
the Belize Math Olympiad and their employees, agents, appointees and assigns of the name,
video, photograph and likeness of the child named above for editorial, publication or
advertising purposes and I hereby release the said Social Security Board and the Belize Math
Olympiad and their employees, agents, appointees and assigns from all claims which I or the
child named above may have arising out of the use of the name, video, photograph or likeness
of the child named above. I also consent to the attendance and participation of the child
named above in the Belize Math Olympiad Competition, February to March of 20__.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND I UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT IT WITHOUT
RESERVATION. NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME TO INDUCE ME TO
SIGN THIS AGREEMENT. I ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY.
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
Child’s T-shirt size
1.
Entry of students into the Belize Math Olympiad should receive parents’ / guardians’ approval and support.
2.
Please submit to Belize Math Olympiad Planning & Execution Committee by Second Friday in December of 20__.
Figure 6: Minor Release and Consent Form
8
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
2.2 Qualifying conditions: participants
The following conditions need to be met in order for a student to be considered for participation in
the BMO:
•
Applicant (participant and alternate) must have a valid Social Security Card.
•
Applicant must be a registered student with the high school which he/she seeks to represent.
•
Participant must be attending the respective high school for at least one school semester/term
prior to applying to participate in the BMO for that respective high school.
•
Participant (not alternate) winning the Regional Competitions should be the same person to
represent the high school in the National Competition.
•
Participant must submit to his/her school the required forms to be completed by the parent/
guardian (Figure 5 and Figure 6).
•
On the day of the competition, all participants are required to check-in at the Registration
Desk, usually located at the entrance of the venue. This is mandatory for each participant;
anyone who fails to comply may not be allowed to participate in the competition. Each
participant is required to present a valid student identification card as proof of attendance at
the high school they are representing.
•
Participants will be given a nametag, which they are expected to wear during the BMO
events. After a participant has checked in, a runner will escort them to their seat and will
direct each participant when it is time for them to take their seat at the competition table.
From this point forward, the students will not be allowed to have contact with teachers or
parents (contact only allowed during intermissions).
2.3 Social Security Card as a requirement to participate in the BMO
Figure 7: Sample of a Social Security Card
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
9
All participants must have a valid Social Security Card (Figure 7) in order to participate in the BMO.
Social Security Cards are issued to all persons who are Belizeans, registered aliens, holders of work
permits, and their dependents. SSB is mandated by law to ensure full and complete registration of
all eligible persons.
The Social Security Act, Chapter 44 of the laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000 – 2003 (Registration
of Employers and Employed Persons) Regulations, Section 3, and following sub section (4) and (6)
refer:
(4) “The Board shall register all Belizeans, registered aliens, holders of work permits, and their
dependents;
(6) Every insured person shall register his unemployed spouse and dependent children (if any), with
the Board, and obtain registration cards in respect of such spouse and dependent children”.
Since the BMO is an SSB sponsored program, Social Security must adhere to the laws governing the
institution. The legislation makes it absolutely mandatory that all qualified individuals be registered
and issued a social security number and card. Furthermore, it is a policy that the Social Security
Card is now a general requirement for all individuals with whom Social Security does business and/
or conduct affairs. Thus, the BMO is no exception; registration with the SSB is a key requirement.
The registration of all eligible individuals is of great importance and SSB will do its best to provide
for the registration of each such person. The registration of each student ensures that they are ready
for participation in the wider society. Also, the Social Security Card is now widely recognized as
the identity card of choice accepted everywhere for proper identification. Likewise, it will ensure
that students are using their official names and that this SSB activity does not contravene any other
legislation and/or statute.
The Social Security Card is not exclusive to Belizeans; however, students must first qualify to be
registered. SSB cannot be seen to be upholding any contravention of this legal requirement (refer to
the SSB Act).
How to access and acquire a Social Security Card:
1. Complete and sign the application form (the form is available at any of SSB’s Branch offices);
2. Submit official documentation which establishes the applicant’s age, identity, citizenship
status, and legal immigration status in the country for Foreign Born persons and their
dependents (permanent residence card, Caricom Single Market & Economy (CSME)
Certificate, CSME Stamp, Refugee Card, Temporary Work Permit, Condition Stamp, Special
Permit-Export Processing Zone, Belize Tourism Board Card, Student Permit Holders who
are children of persons with legal residency status in Belize);
3. Submit the application and original documents to any Social Security Office;
4. Have your photograph taken at a Social Security Branch office;
10
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
5. Return to collect your Social Security Card on the date given to you by the Social Security
Board.
2.4 Expectations of all applicants
The BMOPEC anticipates that the following will be fulfilled by all high schools and students who
apply to participate in the BMO:
•
Applicants satisfy the qualifying conditions, at either relevant level – junior or senior.
•
Applications (Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6) will be completed and forwarded to the
BMOPEC by the deadline established, the second Friday in December.
•
All participants will adhere strictly to the Participation Guidelines and the Rules of
Engagement.
•
Any issue or concern regarding the BMO will be brought to the immediate attention of the
BMO Project Coordinator, so that it may be addressed.
•
Participants are committed to the successful and transparent execution of all BMO
competitions, at the regional and national levels.
2.5 Recommended team selection process
The following serves as a general guideline to assist participating high schools in structuring and
carrying out their team selection process. Schools, however, can choose alternate methods of selection
that best suit them so long as they ensure that each student is given a fair and equal opportunity
to participate in the BMO.
The BMO internal eliminations should be conducted in all classes with all eligible students. The
purpose for having eliminations in all classes is to encourage equal opportunity and total student
participation, thereby positively influencing students’ enthusiasm and interest towards the subject
area. Remember, the BMO is more than a competition; it serves as a revision exercise, especially for
the seniors preparing for the Mathematics CSEC exams.
Below are the suggested rules for the in-school competition:
•
The questions at each level should be based on the material the students will cover during
that academic year, at the respective levels.
•
The questions should be based on the CSEC syllabus and arranged in the hierarchical order
of Bloom’s Taxonomy (Appendix C).
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
11
•
A sample set of mixed problems can be given to the students to practice; however, these
questions should not be used during the selection process.
There are two suggested methods that can be used for conducting internal eliminations: Point System
Elimination and Knock-Out Elimination. The method chosen depends on the number of students in
the internal competition and the teacher’s confidence in the process to be used. A particular method
does not have to be used for all classes but it can be varied.
2.5.1 Method 1: point system elimination
Students either select a partner or are randomly paired by the teacher. Once students are paired off,
they can hold a mini-math Olympiad which follows the same format listed in this handbook (Section
5). The students participating in this sub-competition are evaluated on time, knowledge, and clarity.
Time - the contestant should begin answering within the allotted time. If the teacher finds it suitable
to let a student finish answering seconds after the allotted time, then it can be done.
Knowledge - the contestant must show that she/he is versed with the material and can answer correctly
and completely.
Clarity - the contestant must speak clearly and loudly when giving responses to questions.
The winning team of this competition is then selected to represent the school at the regional level of
the BMO.
2.5.2 Method 2: knock-out elimination
RULES:
Students either select a partner or are randomly paired by the teacher. The pairs must work and study
together, and help each other before the eliminations start.
Students are then quizzed in the various math categories, and must answer the questions administered.
Students are only allowed three errors or missed answers to a question. Once a student has missed
three chances to answer, they are eliminated individually, not by teams.
This process is repeated until the desired amount of finalists is obtained. The competition format can
follow the regional and national formats listed in this handbook (Section 5).
12
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
3. COMMUNICATION WITH HIGH SCHOOLS
AND THE BMO PLANNING AND EXECUTION
COMMITTEE
3.1 BMO Liaison Officers
It is essential that the team’s leadership personnel maintains communication with the Belize Math
Olympiad Planning and Execution Committee (BMOPEC) and encourages a competitive spirit
among all participants.
In order for the BMO to be properly coordinated, a network of involved and suitable persons is
required to assist in communication, usage of guidelines and other materials provided, while ensuring
inclusiveness of schools, enabling good quality competitions, coordinating roles in carrying out
competitions at all levels, and serving as a direct contact with the BMOPEC. These key support
persons of the BMO are referred to as BMO Liaison Officers.
BMO Liaison Officers at each of the SSB Branch Offices are designated as support for high schools
in their respective regions. These persons are ready to facilitate the high schools by answering any
question they may have about the competition. High schools and participants are advised to use the
contact telephone numbers of their nearest BMO Liaison Officer. These telephone numbers (Figure
8) are for the SSB Branch Offices. All you need to do is ask for the BMO Liaison Officer.
SSB Branch
Corozal
Orange Walk
Belize
San Pedro
Belmopan
Santa Elena
Dangriga
Independence
Punta Gorda
Headquarters
Telephone
422-3279
322-2217
224-5025
266-2625
822-0085 / 822-0086
824-2178
522-2101
523-2083
722-2076
822-2163 / 822-2471 / 822-2513
Fax
422-3678
322-3958
224-5893
226-3064
822-1484
824-3534
522-3198
522-2448
722-2525
822-0207
Figure 8: Contact telephone numbers for the BMO Liaison Officers
3.2 Contacts for participating high schools
It is recommended that the main and alternate contact persons for the high school be responsible
adults who maintain a keen interest in the students who will be participating in the BMO.
Contact information is extremely important, especially if teams need to be contacted outside of regular
school hours, in the event of a holiday or school closing.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
13
3.2.1 Main contact person
This person (usually the principal or the head of the Math Department) is the primary liaison between
the BMOPEC and the team. She/he will also be responsible for the following:
•
Keeping your school team’s contact information updated. This includes phone numbers and
email addresses. We recommend that you have both a hard copy and electronic version of
the contact list.
•
The primary mailing address to which all correspondence from the BMOPEC will be sent for
distribution by the Main Contact Person needs to be submitted to the BMOPEC.
•
Informing the BMOPEC if there is any change in a high school’s or a participant’s contact
information.
•
Distributing and collecting permission forms from all team members.
•
Sending in the Minor Release and Consent, Team Entry, and Permission Forms (Figure 4,
Figure 5, and Figure 6).
•
Registering the team before and on the competition day.
•
Disseminating information collected from the BMOPEC, including competition dates and
deadlines.
•
Challenging a judge’s decision during the competition if the need arises.
3.2.2 Alternate contact person
The Alternate Contact Person is the Main Contact Person’s “right hand”. This person is expected to
share the team’s administrative duties with the Main Contact Person and be ready to fill-in for them
in any way that the team requires. This person will be expected to take on the role of Main Contact
Person, if the Main Contact Person is unavailable.
In addition, this person’s main responsibility is to know, establish and enforce all school rules with
regards to the competition, both prior to and during the event.
3.3 E-mails to the BMO Program Coordinator
Sending an e-mail to bmo@socialsecurity.org.bz is the best communication tool for contacting the
BMO Program Coordinator, especially since so many requests are required in writing. This is also
the best way to get a quick response to your question or concern. E-mail also saves money, time,
and provides information more readily. Please include your school name and short reference in the
subject line to expedite the processing of your submission.
To ensure that responses to your e-mail are received from the BMO Program Coordinator, keep your
e-mail account quota at a minimum.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
3.4 The BMO webpage
General information on the BMO are available on the SSB website at http://www.socialsecurity.org.
bz/OTHERPROGRAMS/TheBelizeMathOlympiad/GeneralInformation.aspx
You can view:
•
Electronic copies of the BMO forms and the BMO Handbook
•
Schedule of the competitions
•
Up to date information on the BMO
3.5 Confirmation and withdrawal
High schools are expected to confirm their intention to participate in the BMO by the deadline
specified in the BMOPEC’s invitation to partake in the competition. Upon receiving a high school’s
confirmation to participate, the BMOPEC then includes them in the planning and structuring of that
year’s competition.
If for any reason a high school is forced to withdraw from the competition prior to the opening of the
BMO, notice should be sent immediately to the BMO Program Coordinator. If a high school withdraws
during the BMO, the BMOPEC anticipates that reasonable notice will be given, accompanied by an
explanation for the withdrawal.
Note that confirming participation or withdrawing from the BMO impacts significantly on the
structure of the competition and influences the logistics regarding the organization of the competition.
3.6 Keeping participants informed
The timely and effective distribution of any information received from the BMOPEC to the participants
and other involved persons is very important. The main contact person from the secondary school
will receive most of the correspondences from the BMOPEC, which is to be disseminated to the
relevant team and alternate team members. Highlighting main portions of any information forwarded
from the BMOPEC is highly recommended, as this ensures open discussion on important aspects of
the competition.
Reminding team members of their specific responsibilities and impending deadlines are also essential.
A suggested tool is a team bulletin board which not only keeps the team informed but also other
interested persons and supporters. Included on the bulletin board should be team happenings, meeting
times, deadlines, and competition dates.
3.7 Travel
After receiving travel instructions from the BMOPEC, the BMO Liaison Officer is responsible for
making necessary arrangements with high schools that need transportation for participants to the
event.
For schools requiring transportation, the BMO Liaison Officer in the respective areas will arrange
with the principal of each high school the date and time of departure at least two weeks in advance
of the competition.
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15
4. COMPETITION STRUCTURE
4.1 Regional and National Competitions
When a high school confirms participation in the BMO, the BMOPEC assigns them to their respective
region – North, Central, West, or South (Figure 9). On the passing of the confirmation deadline, the
BMOPEC then holds a raffle in the presence of the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary
Schools (BAPSS) or representatives from the BAPSS to determine the names of the high schools in
each regional competition in order to complete the structure and schedule of the Regional Competitions
(Figure 10). Those regions that have more than ten (10) high schools participating are sub-divided
using the raffle to ensure that each competition is fair to all participating high schools (a BMO game
can only hold a maximum of ten high schools playing at the same time).
The winning team in each Regional Competition advances to the National Competition.
The National Competition follows the same procedure as the Regional Competitions– participants are
expected to check-in at the Registration Table before the start of the competition.
4.2 Hosting of competitions
The BMO has been decentralized with each competition being held in its respective region. The
Competitions are usually hosted as follows:
•
Northern Regional Competition - Orange Walk Town
•
Central Regional Competition - Belize City
•
Southern Regional Competition - Dangriga
•
Western Regional Competition - Belmopan
•
National Competition - Belmopan
The SSB believes that it is best for the BMO to be decentralized in order to allow participating high
schools the opportunity to have more supporters attend their competitions. It is also safer for the
participating high schools since the decentralization of the BMO allows for less traveling for these
high schools.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Schools Listed by Region1
North
Central
Belize Adventist College
Anglican Cathedral College
Belize High School of Agriculture
Belize Rural High School
Bishop Martin High School
Canaan S.D.A. High School
Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School
Caye Caulker Ocean Academy
Cornerstone Presbyterian High School
Edward P. Yorke High School
Corozal Community College
Excelsior Community High School
Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico
Gwen Lizarraga High School
King’s College
Ladyville Technical High School
Linda Vista High School
Maud Williams High School
Muffles College
Nazarene High School
New Hope High School
Palotti High School
Orange Walk Technical High School
Sadie Vernon Technical High School
San Juan Bautista High School (night school)
San Pedro High School
Sarteneja Cornerstone Christian Academy
St. Catherine’s Academy
St. John’s College
Wesley College
West
South
Belize Christian Academy
A.N.R.I.
Belmopan Baptist High School
Corazon Creek Technical High
Belmopan Comprehensive School
Delille Academy
Cayo Christian Academy
George Town High School
Eden S.D.A. High School
Independence High School
Mopan Technical High School
Julian Cho Technical High school
Mount Carmel High School
Mafredi Vo-Tech School
Our Lady of Guadalupe High School
Stann Creek Ecumenical College
Sacred Heart College
Toledo Community College
St. Ignatius High School
Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist
Western Nazarene High School
(1) Note: A region will be split in two groups if there are more than ten high schools participating
in that region in a given year.
Figure 9: Participating schools
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
17
Participating Schools
North A
Finals
Regional Finals
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
North A
School 6
School 7
North B
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
School 6
North B
School 7
Central A
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
School 6
Central A
School 7
School 8
Central B
NATIONAL
CHAMPS
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
Central B
School 6
School 7
School 8
West A
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
West A
School 6
West B
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
West B
School 5
School 6
South
School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
School 6
School 7
School 8
School 9
Figure 10: Diagram of competition structure
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
South
5. GAME PLAY
5.1 The stage layout
All competitions, Regional and National Competitions, have a similar layout (Figure 11).
Figure 11: Stage layout for BMOs
5.2 BMO working kit for students
The following items are the working tools found on each player’s desk:
•
A non-programmable and non-graphical calculator (student are advised to take their own;
if the student does not have one, then the BMO will lend one to the student; Calculators
borrowed from the BMO must be returned at the end of the competition.)
•
The figure tables and Trigonometry tables (provided by the BMO; not to be taken by the
participants after the competition)
•
Note pad (provided by the BMO)
•
Pencils and erasers (provided by the BMO)
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19
•
Agenda of the BMO competition (provided by the BMO)
•
Water (provided by the BMO)
•
Monitor Screen, microphone, slammer and game equipment (provided by the BMO; property
of the BMO)
•
Decision Card and Answer Card for the Final Match (provided by the BMO at the beginning
of the Final Match)
5.3 Participants orientation to the game
All participants are expected to be at the venue at least one hour before the competition starts.
Registration starts an hour before the competition. All participants and alternates are expected to
be seated in the game area at least 25 minutes before the start of the competition. The participant
orientation starts 20 minutes before the competition. All participants and their alternates will be given
a brief explanation by the BMO moderator of how the competition will run. Each participant/alternate
is allowed to discuss or request clarification on any aspect of the rules or guidelines governing the
BMO.
Upon completion of the briefing, participants and alternates should proceed to the main entrance of
the venue to march in as a group for the opening ceremonies. The players and alternates will be led
by the BMO Moderator and the BMO Director of Ceremonies.
5.4 The questions databank
The bank of questions is a large pool of questions that is based on the CSEC Math syllabus and covers
questions from the mathematical topics in this syllabus with 6 levels of difficulty (Appendix C). Each
question is assigned a value of points based on the level of difficulty and the amount of knowledge
and time required to derive its solution.
The BMOPEC ensures that an original and relevant Question Bank is created on an annual basis
and is developed in such a way that a single question will not appear twice in either a Regional
Competition or the National Competition in the same year.
The BMOPEC ensures that the preparation of all questions is done by a group of neutral mathematical
experts. Quality assurance is maintained through consultation with and receiving input from relevant
and unbiased educational institutions.
5.5 The game format
The BMO is designed with many similarities to the Jeopardy Game Show, with three (3) matches and
five categories in Match I and Match II. There are five (5) questions in each category valued between
100 to 500 points. Each question is valued according to its level of difficulty; therefore, it is safe to
assume that a question valued at 100 points is less challenging than a question valued at 300 points.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
The categories listed below for Match I are meant to focus on developing mathematical skills used
for daily living:
•
Computation
•
Consumer Arithmetic
•
Number Theory
•
Plane Geometry
•
Sets
The categories listed below for Match II are meant to improve and provide support for core
mathematical skills for further studies:
•
Algebra
•
Probability & Statistics
•
Relations, Functions & Graphs
•
Trigonometry
•
Vectors & Matrices
The category in the Final Match and the Tie Breaker Round may be from any of the 10 Math Categories
used in Match I and Match II, or may be a combination of categories.
In the Final Match, each team is required to place a wager based on the number of points they have
accumulated in Match I and Match II. The maximum wager is the total points accumulated by the
team at the end of Match II. Each team is required to provide an answer to the question given in the
Final Match.
A Tie Breaker Round is only necessary when two teams are tied with the highest number of points at
the end of the Final Match.
Each participating secondary school is represented by a team of four students - two juniors (1st and/or
2nd Form), and two seniors (3rd and/or 4th Form) - and is required to have an alternate representative
for each junior and senior team member.
5.6 BMO screens
The BMO screen is the visual component of the frame that displays the questions and answers
throughout the competition. Each team will have flat screen monitors that display the same images
appearing on the BMO screen. This is, whatever is being projected on the BMO big screen will also
appear on the individual team monitors. The opening screen at the start of the competition reads
“Belize Math Olympiad” (Figure 12).
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21
Figure 12: Opening screen
The next screen that would appear contains the names of all teams and is used by the moderator to
introduce each school team to the audience (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Team introduction
The screen that introduces Match 1 will appear after the moderator introduces the teams to the
audiences (Figure 14).
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Figure 14: Match I
At the start of Match I, the computer randomly selects which team will choose the first question
(category and point value). A red bar moves under each team’s name and stops randomly to reveal the
team who will start the competition (Figure 15). The moving red bar is accompanied by a distinctive
sound. The screen also displays the math categories as they appear on the screen (Figure 15).
Figure 15: Main BMO board
Each team number and the corresponding points they have earned are shown at the top of the screen
throughout the competition (Figure 16). This box will contain the team’s cumulative score as the
game progresses. Scores are entered automatically, depending on whether a team’s response was
correct or incorrect.
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23
Your Team score
will appear here
Your Team name
will appear here
Figure 16: Identifying your team and score
The Question Board (Main BMO Board) screen allows a team to choose points ranging from 100
to 500 for a particular category of interest (Figure 15).
When a team selects the category and point value for the question they would like to attempt, the
moderator uses a pointer to select the icon representing the question specified. The question will
then appear on the screen as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Sample question screen
The moderator will display the answer to the question after a team has buzzed in within the time
alotted and has given the correct answer or if the time has elapsed and no team has attempted to
respond, or if no team answers the question correctly before the time has elapsed.
When the moderator reveals the correct answer, the screen will appear as shown in Figure 18.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Figure 18: Sample question with answer screen
After the answer has been revealed, the moderator will return to the Main BMO Board. After a
question has been selected and revealed to participants, no point value will be shown on the Main
BMO Board for that question (Figure 19).
Figure 19: Sample of screen after answer has been revealed
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
25
Figure 20: Screen introducing the start of Match II
After the end of Match I, a screen introducing the start of Match II will appear (Figure 20). The
categories in Match II are different from those in Match I, this difference will be reflected on the Main
BMO Board in the section of the screen showing the category listing (Figure 21).
Figure 21: Category screen for Match II
After all questions have been exhausted in Match II, a screen introducing the start of the third match
will read “Final Match” (Figure 22).
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Figure 22: Screen at Final Match
The moderator will then click on the screen to reveal the category for the final question in this match
(Figure 23).
Figure 23: Final question screen
When all wagers have been placed for the final question and the Decision Cards collected, the moderator
will reveal the final question. The question may appear as shown in Figure 24.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
27
Figure 24: Screen showing Final Match question
After all answer cards have been collected, the moderator will then reveal the answer to the final
question. The screen displaying the answer may appear as shown in Figure 25.
At the end of the Final Match, all scores are tallied to determine the winner of that BMO competition.
If there is no tie among teams with the highest scores for the competition, a screen will appear showing
which participating high school is the top scorer and winner.
Figure 25: Screen showing Final Match question and answer
If there is a tie between two or more teams with the highest points after all scores have been tallied, a
screen may appear indicating the start of a Tie Breaker Round. The moderator will explain the rules
governing this round, after which the question will be revealed. The question and answer screens will
appear similarly as the question in Match I and Match II of the competition.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
5.7 Time allotments
In Match I and Match II, the total time allotted for a question to be asked by the moderator and for
the correct answer to be given is 90 seconds. Within the 90 seconds, teams can buzz in to get an
opportunity to respond to a question. The team that successfully presses the slammer first will have
10 seconds to respond to the question.
At the start of the Final Match, each team is given 120 seconds (2 minutes) to record the points they
wish to wager in that round on the Decision Card (Figure 31) provided.
During the Final Match, each team is given 180 seconds (3 minutes) to solve the question and record
their answer on the Answer Card provided (Figure 32).
Should the competition run into a Tie Breaker Round, each team required to participate in this round
will have 90 seconds to solve the question correctly.
A timer is shown in the upper right hand corner of the screen to indicate the amount of time available
for answering the question (Figure 26). Note this timer is only shown for Match I, Match II and the
Tie Breaker Round. In the Final Match, an external timer is used.
Figure 26: Answer countdown clock
The disappearing bar indicates the time remaining to answer (Figure 27 and Figure 28).
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29
Figure 27: Time display
Figure 28: Disappearing bar indicates time remaining to answer
5.8 Point system
In Match I and Match II, teams can earn a maximum of 7,500 points in each of the rounds (Figure 29).
The penalty for answering a question incorrectly is to not receive the points for which the question is
valued. The point values range from 100 to 500 points in each of the ten math categories.
In the Final Match, a team may only wager an amount not exceeding the amount of points they
have accumulated by the end of Match II. If the solution to the final question is correct, they will be
awarded the points. If the answer they have stated is incorrect or incomplete, the points wagered will
be deducted to give a final tally.
No points are deducted if a team’s response is incorrect or incomplete during Match I, Match II, and
the Tie Breaker Round.
In a Tie Breaker Round, only 100 points can be awarded to the first team that successfully presses the
slammer first and provides a correct response to the question.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
200
200
500
Team
5. If a team does not attempt a question, enter “NR” in the blank space
provided above for that math category and point value.
6. If a question is disqualified for whatever reason, enter “D” in the blank
space provided for that math category and point value.
7. Enter the total score for each team in the last column of each table at the
end of Match 1 & 2.
3. If a team attempts a question amd responds correctly, enter “C” in the
blank space provided above for that math category and point value.
4. If a team attempts a question and responds incorrectly, enter “I” in the
blank space provided for that math category and point value.
500
Final
Match
Wager
Note: A team can only wager the number of points that they have
accumulated after Match 2.
Final Match Instructions
Response
Tie-Breaker Round(s) (TBR) - 100
Max Points Possible
TBR 1 TBR 2 TBR 3 TBR 4 Sum of
Scores Scores Scores Scores Final
Match
& TBR
Scores
100
100
100
100
100
100
200
500
500
100
100
Sets
300
Match
1
Tie Breaker Instructions
Team
400
Match
2
Final
Match
Vectors and Matrices
200
300
400
200
TOTAL SCORES - 30,000 Max Points Possible
Trigonometry
300
400
Plane Geometry
200
300
400
Competition # : ____________
Sum
of all
Matches
500
500
3. If a team does not attempt the tie breaker question, enter “NR” in the space provided in the
adjacent table above.
Match 2
Scores
Match 1
Scores
Stats Keeper Name: ______________________________________
1. If a team answers correctly, enter “100” points in the space provided in the adjacent table
above.
2. If a team answers incorrectly, enter “I” in the space provided in the adjacent table above.
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
Team 5
Team 6
Team 7
Team 8
Final Rank
Match 2 - 7,500 Max Points Possible
Probability & Statistics
Relations, Functions and Graphs
200
300
400
500
100
200
300
400
500
Final Match - 15,000 Max
Points Possible
100
100
1. If a team answers correctly, enter the score they waged and “C” in the
blank space provided above for a particular team.
2. If a team answers incorrectly, enter the negative score they waged and
“I” in the blank space provided above for a particular team.
3. If a team does not attempt the Round 3 question, enter “0 or NR” in the
space provided in the adjacent table above.
Match 1 & 2 Instructions
Rank
at the
end of
Match
1&2
400
500
1. Stats keeper, enter your full name, the current date and the competition
number in the appropriate spaces provided at the top of the sheet.
2. Enter the name of each team in each of the first three tables above.
Sum of
Match
1&2
Scores
Algebra
300
Computation
300
400
Match 1 Match 2
Rank
Rank
100
100
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
Team 5
Team 6
Team 7
Team 8
Team Name
Team Name
Team Name
Match 1 - 7,500 Maximum (Max) Points Possible
Consumer Arithmetic
Number Theory
200
300
400
500
100
200
300
400
BELIZE MATH OLYMPIAD SCORECARD
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
Team 5
Team 6
Team 7
Team 8
Team
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
Team 5
Team 6
Team 7
Team 8
Team
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
Team 5
Team 6
Team 7
Team 8
Team
Date: ________________________
The Head Judge approves final scores at the end of all Regional Competitions and at the end of the
National Competition.
Figure 29: BMO scorecard
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
31
5.9 Understanding the slammer system
The slammer system (Figure 30) is a wireless computer device that identifies which team is attempting
to answer the question. Electronic signals are passed to the gaming software which also records the
time taken by the team to answer a question. The wireless slammer has a large yellow durable surface.
A team member must press down on this surface (a fast firm tap should suffice) when she/he wishes
to respond to the question.
When a team presses the slammer controller first, they activate the timer in the control panel and it
starts to measure the time the team takes to give an answer. This time is shown on the timer in the
upper right hand corner of the screen (Figure 26).
If the team that pressed the slammer controller first is unable to answer within the 10 seconds allotted,
a discernible sound will be heard, indicating the time to answer that question is up. The timer will
automatically reset to zero seconds and the slammer system will wait for the slammers to be pressed
again.
Figure 30: Wireless slammer
5.10 Match I and Match II
At the start of the competition, the moderator will reveal the opening screen as he/she greets the crowd.
The moderator will then reveal the Main BMO board for Match I (Figure 15). The moderator will then
read the categories for that match.
The computer then randomly chooses the starting team, after the Game Board is displayed. The team
who wins the selection will specify which category and point value they wish to attempt.
The moderator will then reveal and read the question chosen by the player. All teams have the freedom
to press the slammer once the question is shown.
Note that a team can only respond once to a question, after pressing the slammer, and having been
acknowledged by the moderator and given the opportunity to respond to the question.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
For the rest of the competition, the team who last answered a question correctly will get to select the
next category and point value.
Teams or players who wish to respond to a question must press the slammer first. Once a team
successfully presses the slammer first, the game automatically displays the team number on the screen
and prohibits the other teams from buzzing in.
The moderator then gives the go ahead to the successful team to attempt a response and the timer will
start. The team that presses the slammer first has 10 seconds to respond.
The total time allotted for a question to be asked and answered in Match I and in Match II is 90
seconds. Within the 90 seconds, teams can buzz in to get an opportunity to respond to a question.
The contestant must answer the question correctly within the allotted time to receive the point value
for that question.
If a team presses the slammer first and gives an incorrect response, the moderator will press the
incorrect button and then the computer system will automatically lock out that team, preventing them
from pressing the slammer a second time.
If the team does not answer the question correctly, then the moderator will release the slammers,
giving the other teams the opportunity to buzz in an attempt to answer the question.
The head judge has the final decision on which answers are accepted as correct.
If any team does not give the correct answer, or if no team buzzes in within the allotted time, no one
will be awarded the points for that question. The moderator will display the correct answer, and the
last team to provide a correct answer will be allowed to select another question from the remaining
point values for any of the categories.
If the team who did not press the slammer first attempts a response, a foul is committed. The moderator
will ignore the response and allow the team who pressed the buzzer first to attempt a response. If
the response is incorrect, the question will then be offered to all other teams except the team who
committed the foul.
Any protest of a decision taken by the head judge must be immediately logged to the moderator (if
player protesting) or to the observer (if main contact for team is protesting), so that it may be dealt with
forthwith by the Head Judge and Judging team.
At the end of Match I, the moderator will read the cumulative score for each team.
The team who last provided a correct response in Match I will be allowed to make the first selection in
Match II after the moderator has read aloud the categories for Match II (Figure 21).
The rules and regulations governing Match I are the same for Match II.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
33
5.11 Final Match
At the start of the Final Match, the category for the final question will be shown on the BMO screen.
Each team will be given a Decision Card (Figure 31) and 120 seconds (2 minutes) to indicate the
number of points they would like to stake. The maximum stake a team can wager is the total points
they have accumulated at the end of Match II.
Figure 31: Decision Card
Figure 32: Answer Card
One question will be given to all participants and they will all be given 180 seconds (3 minutes) to
solve the question and record the answer on the Answer Card provided (Figure 32). A team can only
receive points for a correct response. The question in the Final Match will have a question from any
or from a combination of the ten Math categories in Match I and Match II. If the team provides the
correct answer, they are awarded the number of points they indicated on the Decision Card. If the
answer a team provides is incorrect or incomplete, or if a team is unable to provide an answer to the
question, the amount of points they wagered will be deducted from their accumulated total to reflect
their cumulative total at the end of the competition.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
5.12 Tie Breaker Round
In the event of a tie between two or more teams after the Final Match, the Reserved List will be used
to break the tie. The Reserved List will have questions from the ten Math categories of the CSEC
Math Syllabus. Each of the teams that are tied with the highest points will be given the same question
to solve and they will have 90 seconds to solve it.
As soon as a team solves the problem, they should press the slammer since only the team that buzzes
in first and answers the question correctly will be awarded the points. If no team gives the correct
answer, the process is repeated until a team is awarded the points and a single winner is identified.
5.13 Announcement of winners
At the end of the Final Match, all scores are tallied and the moderator, after the approval of the Head
Judge, will announce the winner for the competition. He will then announce the order in which each
participating high school ranks.
If a participating high school (participating student or their Main Contact Person) does not agree with
the final tally of any score, they may lodge their protest with the observer at this time. The query or
challenge will be addressed by the Judging panel before the awards are distributed. The Head Judge
reserves the right to make the final decision. If there was an error in tallying the final score, this
will be corrected and the ranking of each high school will be re-announced to reflect any changes or
discrepancies.
5.14 Prizes
Persons receiving the participants’ prizes are those team members who completed the BMO competition
as players of the Final Match or the Tie Breaker Round.
Only students who participate in the BMO are entitled to prizes. No excuses will be accepted to allow
an absent students/school to receive prizes. To win a prize, the student/school must play the game.
The following are examples of prizes that are awarded to participants and winners of the BMO
competitions (Figure 33):
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
35
Recipients
Item
REGIONALS
1st Place
Participants
School
Plaque
Trophy
Participants
School
Plaque
Trophy
2nd Place
Everyone
Participants & Alternates
Schools
Principals
Main Coaches
Certificate of Participation
Draw String Belize Math Olympiad Bags
Scientific Calculator
Math Set
Belize Math Olympiad Promotional Items
(BMO fan, pencils, maraca)
Math Set for Teaching
Certificate of Participation
Round Wooden Belize Math Olympiad
Picture Frame
Belize Math Olympiad Pencil Holder
NATIONAL
1st Place
Participants
School
Notebook Computer
Gold Medal
Plaque
Certificate of Participation
LCD Projector and Tripod for Projector Screen
Trophy
Champion Trophy for reign of championship
2nd Place
Participants
School
$500 Cash
Flash Drive
Silver Medal
Plaque
Certificate of Participation
$500 Cash
Printer
Trophy
3rd Place
Participants
School
$300 Cash
Flash Drive
Bronze Medal
Plaque
Certificate of Participation
$400 Cash
Printer
Trophy
Others
Participants
$125 Cash
Flash Drive
Certificate of Participation
Schools
$150 Cash
All Alternates
$75 Cash
Certificate of Participation
Figure 33: 2010 Prizes for the Regional and National Competitions
36
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
6. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
This section explains the behavior expected of a participant or supporter of the BMO and states the
consequences of improper behavior.
6.1 Switching to an alternate
A team may decide to switch their main player and alternate before the beginning of the competition.
However, once a player begins a competition, he or she cannot be substituted for the alternate unless
a serious medical condition or an urgent situation (approved by the BMO Coordinator) prevents that
player from continuing the game.
6.2 Judging
The following are the different criteria that will be used to evaluate the response /answer of a question:
Time: the contestant must answer within the given time allotted. At no time should any contestant
begin to answer a question after the timer rings.
Knowledge: within the time allotted the contestant must show that she/he is well-versed with the
material and must answer correctly and completely.
Clarity: the contestant must not stammer or mumble the answer for her/his given question. The answer
must be clearly stated.
6.3 Committing a foul
A foul can only be committed in Match 1 and Match 11. This occurs when a team renders a response
without being acknowledged by the moderator after they have buzzed in, or if they render a response
without buzzing in successfully.
When a team commits a foul, they receive a warning from the moderator. If a team receives three
(3) fouls in any given competition, the Judging Panel may choose to disqualify the team from the
remainder of the competition.
6.4 Challenging a response
If a player, or Main Contact Person for the team believes that the answer provided for any question
during the competition is incorrect, or appears to be incomplete, and believes that the points were
unjustly awarded to the team that responded, they should immediately bring their concerns to the
attention of the Moderator (if a participant is lodging a challenge) or to a Runner (if the Main Contact
Person is lodging a challenge).
Should the Runner be informed of a challenge to a response or decision by the Judging Panel, she/he
shall bring the matter to the immediate attention of the Head Judge, who will indicate to the Moderator
that there is a challenge.
The Head Judge will then provide an explanation for the decision made by the panel or if necessary,
take corrective actions for the decision previously taken.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
37
6.5 Disqualification
A team may be disqualified from a competition (Regional or National) for any of the following reasons:
•
Committing three (3) fouls within the same competition.
•
Caught cheating during any of the three matches or Tie Breaker Round in any of the
competitions.
•
Persistent unprofessional behavior or persistent show of aggressive behavior towards
any other participant or any BMO Official, in spite of warnings given after the first
offense.
•
Vandalism or disorderly conduct by participants or supporters of a participating high
school.
6.6 Professionalism
The BMO seeks to encourage high-quality, enlightening experiences in a manner which would
leave everyone feeling valuable. It is also expected that all contenders employ gracious attitudes and
behaviors and compete passionately while treating each other with respect and consideration.
The BMO also encourages professionals involved in every aspect of the competition to use their
knowledge responsibly as they are trusted by society to exhibit honesty and dependability.
Cordial professionals make a valued contribution to the success of the competition and are outstanding
mentors to future professionals.
To this end, we strongly reject insensitive behavior by the participants and their respective supporters
and approve of knowledge, pride and empathy comfortably blended to reflect the true spirit of the
competition.
6.7 School spirit
It is the responsibility of the team leaders, and by extension the entire team, to ensure that all competition
rules and regulations, especially regarding conduct and sportsmanship, are established and instilled in
all participants and supporters of the competition.
One of the many purposes of the BMO is to foster a sense of school spirit for the participating
institutions. It is expected that those students who attend any of the competitions will provide the
necessary support to the BMO participants.
Students and high schools are encouraged to cheer for their participants and schools using maracas,
drums, and applauses.
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
Participating high schools are allowed to bring their Mascots to the competitions to help prompt the
supporters to cheer for the participants and as a show of healthy school spirit.
Note that when the question is being read by the Moderator, when teams are working to solve the
question, and when a team is responding, all onlookers and supporters must remain silent so as to
allow for concentration and for the responses to be heard clearly.
6.8 Safety and vandalism
Safety is very important at the BMO and should be observed by all participants at all times. It is
important to warn all participants that due care be taken when present in the facilities which house the
BMO.
No glass bottles are allowed in the venues of the BMO.
Police supervision is present at all BMOs to further strengthen the security during the day of the
competition.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
39
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure #
Title
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
40
BMO brand by author
The BMO Trademark
BMO champions 2007 - 2010
Team Entry Form
Permission Form
Minor Release and Consent Form
Sample of a Social Security Card
Contact telephone numbers for the BMO Liaison Officers
Participating schools
Diagram of competition structure
Stage layout for BMOs
Opening screen
Team introduction
Match I
Main BMO board
Identifying your team and score
Sample question screen
Sample question with answer screen
Sample of screen after answer has been revealed
Screen introducing the start of Match II
Category screen for Match II
Screen at Final Match
Final question screen
Screen showing Final Match question
Screen showing Final Match question and answer
Answer countdown clock
Time display
Disappearing bar indicates time remaining to answer
BMO scorecard
Wireless slammer
Decision Card
Answer Card
2010 Prizes for the Regional and National Competitions
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
APPENDIX
Appendix A: Winning Poem of Poetry Contest
Mathistics
By: Rochelle Leslie, St. Michael’s College, Belize City
Two, four, six, eight,
Together we shall calculate.
Addition, Subtraction, Multi – Division,
Together we’ll see the teacher’s vision.
Come let’s practice.
Together we can hack this.
Breaking the code, the mean, median, and mode;
Calculus and Algebra demand a higher calibre.
Cosine, tangent, angles and graphs,
Cause headaches and occasional laughs.
Binomials, trinomials, polynomials seem weird,
But with the right gear they should not be feared.
Rulers, protractors, pencils and paper,
Sometimes even a calculator.
Remember the basic rules of math,
Divide, multiply, add, then subtract.
Principal, balance, rate and time,
When at the bank these you will find.
Cost price, selling price, profit and loss,
Terms to use to become big boss
American ACT, British GCE, Caribbean CXC,
Will all soon be easy as A B C.
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
41
Appendix B: Lyrics of Belize Math Olympiad Jingle
The Belize Math Olympiad Jingle
(Chorus) It’s the Math Olympiad
We’re having more fun that we’ve ever had
Problem solving is the greatest fad
In the Math Olympiad! (2x)
(Verse 1) This is not Beenie Man or the
Dancehall Queen
We’re the Math Olympians and we come to
make a scene
We will show you that math me, is really just
fun- me
So jump owta yu seat and mek wi bos dis
rhyme!
2 X plus 4 is what kinda’ math?
Algebra’s the name, and that’s a fact!
Numbers and le ers in the same Math problem
Nowadays everyone can solve them.
(Chorus) It’s the Math Olympiad
We’re having more fun that we’ve ever had
Problem solving is the greatest fad
In the Math Olympiad! (2x)
(Verse 2) There’s BODMAS, func ons, rela ons
and pi
That will ra le your brain and open your eyes
There’s quar les, means, and median and
modes
You’ll be crunching numbers and cracking codes
Doing Sketches, diagrams, or mental maps
We’ll even the score and avoid the traps
To add and subtract mul ply and divide
We’ll conquer the world no ma er how big and
wide!
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Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
(Chorus) It’s the Math Olympiad
We’re having more fun that we’ve ever had
Problem solving is the greatest fad
In the Math Olympiad!
It’s the Math Olympiad!!!! (2x)
(Verse 3) There’s matrix, vectors, degrees, and
triangles
Now you’ll see the world from different angles
There’s simple interest, and profit and loss
Soon you’ll be pulil, jefe, or big boss!
If transforma ons, sets, and volume make you
grumble
S ck with us and your math fears will crumble
If you want to be in and watch your math skills
grow
Come learn and have fun at the great Math
Show!
O o o o o o o ooh (4x) (Ad lib to crowd)
It’s the Math Olympiad!!!! (4x)
(Chorus) It’s the Math Olympiad
We’re having more fun that we’ve ever had
Problem solving is the greatest fad
In the Math Olympiad!
It’s the Math Olympiad!!!! (2x)
(Repeat Verse 1)
(Chorus) It’s the Math Olympiad
We’re having more fun that we’ve ever had
Problem solving is the greatest fad
In the Math Olympiad!
It’s the Math Olympiad!!!! (2x)
Appendix C: Bloom’s Taxonomy
Competence
Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
Analysis
Synthesis
Evaluation
Skills Demonstrated
•
•
•
•
•
Observation and recall of information
Knowledge of dates, events, places
Knowledge of major ideas
Mastery of subject matter
Question Cues: list, define, tell, describe, identify, show, label, collect,
examine, tabulate, quote, name, who, when, where, etc.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Understanding information
Grasp meaning
Translate knowledge into new context
Interpret facts, compare, contrast
Order, group, infer causes
Predict consequences
Questions Cues: summarize, describe, interpret, contrast, predict,
associate, distinguish, estimate, differentiate, discuss, extend
•
•
•
•
Use information
Use methods, concepts, theories in new situations
Solve problems using required skills or knowledge
Questions Cues: apply, demonstrate, calculate, complete, illustrate,
show, solve, examine, modify, relate, change, classify, experiment,
discover
•
•
•
•
•
Seeing patterns
Organization of parts
Recognition of hidden meanings
Identification of components
Questions Cues: analyze, separate, order, explain, connect, classify,
arrange, divide, compare, select, explain, infer
•
•
•
•
•
Use old ideas to create new ones
Generalize from given facts
Relate knowledge from several areas
Predict, draw conclusions
Questions Cues: combine, integrate, modify, rearrange, substitute,
plan, create, design, invent, what if?, compose, formulate, prepare,
generalize, rewrite
•
•
•
•
•
•
Compare and discriminate between ideas
Assess value of theories, presentations
Make choices based on reasoned argument
Verify value of evidence
Recognize subjectivity
Question Cues: assess, decide, rank, grade, test, measure, recommend,
convince, select, judge, explain, discriminate, support, conclude,
compare, summarize
Belize Math Olympiad Student Handbook
43
© Social Security Board, 2010