The Mathematical Puzzle Programs (MaPP) Challenge is an annual puzzle hunt designed to challenge your students' mathematical problem solving abilities. These puzzles are inspired by ideas outside the usual arithmetic-to-calculus sequence, so advanced mathematical coursework isn't necessary to enjoy the game!
"Mathematical Puzzle Programs (MaPP) Challenge '24: Dahlia in the Riddling Realm" is a team-based event for 7th-12th grade students. Each team is composed of up to eight students, with at least six students per team suggested (a teacher chaperone is also required for each team). We would love to have teams representing each of your schools this year!
Teams will be presented with puzzles testing their deductive reasoning ability and introducing concepts from mathematical fields such as cryptography, game theory, or others. Solving puzzles will require the team to run out and interact with Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s campus. For more details about the event, see
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Location: Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Tentative Schedule:
Students and chaperones are encouraged to bring a bottle for water. Teams will have to arrange their own transportation, and there will be a registration fee of $20/person (please let us know if the expense is an issue, and we'll find a way to include your teams at a reduced rate). This will go toward the ClueKeeper app to use during the event, a shirt for each participant and chaperone, as well as lunch at the Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall. We would love for your students to be involved, so please let us know if the registration costs are an issue.
Registration will be first come, first served. While it is likely that all teams that are interested can participate, it is possible that we will reach our capacity, at which point registration would be closed.
We have provided a "teaser" puzzle to give you a taste of the kind of mathematical challenges your teams will face. Contact pjcouch@lamar.edu for more information, and feel free to share it with whomever you like; I hope to hear from you soon!
For more details about the event, see