MSU to host 24th annual MPATE day

Some of the region’s best and brightest high school students will participate in the 24th annual Mathematics, Physics and Advanced Technology Exploration (MPATE) Day at Morehead State University on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Juniors and seniors who excel in sciences will gather at MSU for a day of competition and fun with their peers from other schools, while expanding their educational horizons in those academic disciplines.

The participants, all recommended by their teachers, will be divided into teams of four students. The team members will represent four different schools, to afford the students an opportunity to get to know their peers from other counties or school districts.

“Once the teams are formed, they will have approximately two and one-half hours of problem-solving exploration activities, involving math, physics, computer science or industrial and engineering technology,” said Dr. Tim O’Brien, associate professor of mathematics and MPATE Day coordinator.

Some of the activities will be hands-on practical exercises, while others will be completed with pen and paper.

Various MSU faculty and staff members from the College of Science and the College of Business and Technology will lead the explorations.

Each of the different activities is scored, and the team with the highest score at the end of the day’s events will be declared the winner.

Following the competitive portion of the day, a luncheon and awards ceremony will be held in Button Auditorium.

Dr. O’Brien said approximately 450 students from MSU’s service region and beyond are expected to participate in MPATE Day this year.

Schools that are scheduled for the event include Morgan County, Powell County, West Carter, Floyd Central, Rowan County Senior, Lexington Christian Academy, Pendleton County, Wolfe County, Shelby Valley, Lakeside Christian Academy, Lawrence County, Fleming County and Magoffin County.

Additional information about MPATE Day activities is available by calling Dr. O’Brien at 606-783-9439.