In our first year, preparation for the Expo began with a kick-off talk on March 19, 2004, organized by Kathleen Bodie, Director of the Arlington Public Schools. Glenn Stevens (BU) introduced Bob Devaney (BU) who talked to over 500 math students at the Arlington High School. Students had an opportunity to play the "Chaos Game" and teachers were given the Expo announcements to distribute to their students.

Then, on April 6, 2004, Charles Garabedian, Watertown High School Curriculum Coordinator, organized an assembly for 350 AP and Honors high school math students. Art Heinricher (WPI) and Glen Hall (BU) introduced Bob Devaney who had yet another opportunity to dazzle students with fractals and animations.

Students were asked to begin their projects on April 12th and districts were asked to hold their poster sessions and Math Fairs on May 17th.

Math Fairs and Poster Sessions

The student research method was modeled on the very successful POWs (problems of the week) held at Arlington High School. Students developed research projects mentored by teachers and mathematicians. Online support and student mentoring by FoM mathematicians Al Cuoco (EDC), Glen Hall, and Glenn Stevens, was available by emailing HardMathCafe@focusonmath.org. In addition, teacher mentoring tools were available online.

Students presented their results to peers, educators, and panels of mathematicians at the Math Fairs or poster sessions, in their districts. These Math Fairs were modeled on the very successful program at Chelsea High School.

Several FoM mathematicians, led by Art Heinricher and Glen Hall, joined the teachers to help judge the posters at the local Math Fairs. All students who participated in a research project received a Focus on Mathematics Certificate of Merit.