Russian School of Mathematics hosts Mathapalooza!

The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM), an afterschool math program headquartered in Newton, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its oldest branch, RSM-MetroWest in Framingham, with Mathapalooza! on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 12 to 4 p.m. on the Framingham Centre Common (Edgell Road and Vernon Street).

The outdoor festivities are free and open to the public and take place rain or shine.

The event emphasizes the wonders of mathematics with both physical and intellectual activities for children and their families, including a giant 40-by-40-foot maze, oversize versions of games such as chess, checkers, Connect Four and Jenga, and unique, age-appropriate and mathematically-inspired games and puzzles created especially for the event, such as Pin the Mustache on Albert Einstein, Bean Bag Addition, Break the Secret Code, and Magic Potion Formulation.

There will also be an area with various estimation contests with prizes for the closest estimation. For each problem solved or game won children receive tickets that can be redeemed for fun prizes. A "Math Magician" will astound children with mathematically-based illusions and activities throughout the day, and food will be for sale from local restaurants, including Rasoi Gourmet Indian Kitchen, Firefly’s BBQ, and Zaftig’s, as well as mathematically inspired ice cream "cones" from Ben and Jerry’s.

A number of special events take place at specific times during the day including: Noon, event kick-off; 1 p.m., Beat the Masters: the school’s two US Chess Federation Masters play multiple, simultaneous chess games against those brave enough to try to beat them; 2 p.m., "Pi" eating contest (who can eat the most pie in 3.141519 minutes; grouped by age); 3 p.m., anniversary celebration and awards ceremony featuring local politicians; 3:30 p.m., free RSM-MetroWest 10th anniversary cake.

"Math builds skills and abilities that are becoming increasingly important in so many areas today, so this event is one way of introducing this very important subject to children in a creative and interesting way," Irina Khavinson, co-founder of the Russian School of Mathematics, said in a statement. "With so many fun, interesting, and unique puzzles, games and activities to choose from, children of all ages, especially those in elementary school, will have fun with math like they never have before," added Anna Charny, co-founder and director of RSM-MetroWest. "This is also our way of giving back to the community that has been our home for the last ten years."

Winner of the Boston Parents Paper "Best of the Best" award two years in a row, RSM has been developing excellence in mathematics and critical thinking skills since 1997 with their award-winning afterschool math program. Families of more than 11,000 students in six states trust RSM to deliver a world-class math education for their K-12 students. Framingham-based RSM-MetroWest began in 2001 as RSM’s first affiliate in Massachusetts. In addition to mathematics, RSM-MetroWest offers classes in chess, robotics, and creative writing.

For more information, visit www.RussianSchool.com/MetroWest or call 508-283-1355.