Oglala Lakota College’s 3rd Annual Math Camp

Approximately 50 students took part in Oglala Lakota College’s Math Camp held at Pejuta Haka College Center in Kyle, SD in August 2011. OLC’s Math & Science department hosted the third annual event open to 6th grade through college level students.

Impact/Benefits:

Students participated in activity-based interaction with mathematics based on how they will use math in the everyday world; measurement, fractions, angles, and sequence were all explored through bridge building, baking, and kites.

Students also had the opportunity to integrate Lakota language and math into star quilts, drum making, beadwork, tipis, and music. Students were exposed to advanced math such as fractals, algebra, and engineering principles as well through activities with puzzles, grid drawing, GIS, trigonometry, and calculus.

Background/Explanation:

The needs and demands of the Pine Ridge reservation have evolved during the last eight years. As a result, the Math and Science Environmental Science program has undergone a series of changes to meet the changing needs of Oglala Lakota College students. The Math Camp helps students at all ages to get involved in STEM activities. Native Americans are one of South Dakota’s major underrepresented groups and programs such as these are a major boost to getting students from the reservation involved in STEM activities.