Ariam Aman, a fifth grader at Fernbrook Elementary, won the fifth-sixth grade division of the 2015 six-week long Fermi Off-the-Wall Math league competition. Participants solve questions by estimating, guessing, rounding and integrating writing skills.
Ariam’s mother, Netsanet Yibarek, says it was Ariam’s teacher, Mrs. Cathy Seeman, who first suggested the competition during a parent-teacher conference. “Mrs. Seeman said Ariam was doing very well, but she could use a challenge,” Yibarek says.
Unlike simpler 2+2=4 math, Fermi queries are process-oriented and require students to conduct research and ask questions before reaching solutions. Ariam says her favorite part of the process was putting together calculations to create a model drawing and finding the answer. “It was hard for her in the beginning,” Yibarek says, “but she’s very determined.”
While proud of her daughter’s winning accomplishment, Yibarek also strongly credits Fernbrook Elementary School for Ariam’s success. “It’s the effort of all her teachers that has shaped her and given her the opportunity to do well; we’re really grateful for them,” she adds.
