OBM

The Mathematics Olympiads have been held since 1894 (Hungary). Over the years, similar competitions have spread through Eastern Europe, culminating in 1959 with the organization of the first International Mathematical Olympiad, in Romania, with the participation of countries in that region. 

In 1979 in Brazil, the Sociedade Brasileira de Matemática (SBM) (Brazilian Mathematical Society ) organized the first Olimpíada Brasileira de Matemática (OBM) (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad).  Over the years, although undergoing several changes in its format, OBM has stuck to the core mission of encouraging the study of mathematics by students, developing and improving teacher training, fostering the improvement of teaching, and discovering young talent. EUREKA!, a magazine published by OBM, is a great source of challenging mathematical problems.

In the vast majority of cases, young Brazilians who entered international mathematics had garnered earlier awards from OBM. Our Olympians attend events of various types and scopes, including:

• Olimpíada Matemática del Cono Sur (Mathematical Olympiad of the Southern Cone) (4 students, up to age 16);
• International Mathematical Olympiad (six high school students, up to age 19);
• Olimpíada Iberoamericana de Matemática (Iberoamerican Mathematical Olympiad) (4 students, up to age 18);
• International Mathematics Competitionfor University Students.

These competitions are held annually, always in a different country.

For additional information and to contribute with new facts, go to www.obm.org.br.

IMO 2014 team, awarded with 3 silver medals and 2 bronze

OBMEP

Olimpíada Brasileira de Matemática das Escolas Públicas (OBMEP) (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad of Public Schools) is organized by Instituto Nacional de Matemática Pura e Aplicada (IMPA) and aims to stimulate the study of mathematics and discover new talents in the area. 

The first OBMEP competition was held in 2005 and there have been yearly editions since then. Recent editions have had around 18 million participants. Robust support from schools, teachers, parents and students has allowed this program to blossom into a multi-pronged educational project. OBMEP activities include:

• Programa de Iniciação Científica Jr. (PIC) (Junior Scientific initiation program), for their own medalists. OBMEP has offered some 30,000 students the opportunity to study mathematics for one year, with a grant from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). In 2014, 6,500 students are participating in PIC.
• Teaching Handouts. OBMEP produced and distributed to schools and students PIC handouts  and Questions lists. From 2014 onwards, you can search for problems presented in previous OBMEP questions using keywords. This is a useful tool for teachers to prepare for lessons and tests, and also for students in their study plans.
• Programa de Iniciação Científica – Mestrado (PICME) (Masters Scientific Initiation Program) was created for undergraduate medalists with scholarships from CNPq (IC) and CAPES (master's). Approximately 1021 students have completed the program. In 2014, we expect membership to increase with 300 new students.
• PECI - Preparação Especial para Competições Internacionais (Special Preparation for International Competions) – Since 2009 this initiative has prepared gold medalists selected for their exceptional talents to enter international competitions. The results have been very promising.
• POTI - Polos Olímpicos de Treinamento Intensivo (Intensive Training Olympics) - a partnership with OBM signed in 2012. The program now has seven centers in Brazil and aims to increase Brazilian students' access to training for math competitions. The program offers videos of classes which are accessible to the general public.
• PROF - Set up in 2012, this program aims at improving mathematics teachers. The content presented is based on the problems presented in OBMEP, either in tests or questions lists. In partnership with SEED, this program is in its third year in the state of São Paulo, and at an early stage in the states of Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte and Rio de Janeiro.
• Clubes de Matemática (Math Clubs) - Since 2013 the program has had a roster of close to 3000 students in 389 clubs throughout Brazil. The program provides various ways of studying mathematics among students and teachers, with interesting activities in an interactive environment.
• Portal da Matemática (Math Portal) – Being launched with applications and video classes that cover the entire math curriculum, from the sixth year of elementary school through the third year of secondary school. The objective is to contribute with support materials for teachers, students and the general public.

In addition, the mobilization of OBMEP Regional Coordinators to conduct activities, such as seminars with educators and award ceremonies, has fostered a stimulating environment for the study of mathematics among students and teachers throughout the country.

Learn more www.obmep.org.br

Picture: Award cerimony 2014

Matemática Multimídia (Multimedia Math) (Unicamp)

The main portal of the  M³ Matemática Multimídia collection, which comprises multimedia educational resources in digital formats developed by Unicamp for secondary school mathematics in Brazil, supported by funding from FNDE, SED, MCT and MEC.

Anyone interested can access the videos as well as the rest of the Brazilian secondary school math content in various media. The teacher, in accordance with their teaching coordinator and school management, can choose the items that best fit into their program, depending on the characteristics of the teacher and the reality of their students.

The resources foster social interaction by encouraging the formation of groups to conduct the activities – always with the mediation of the teacher in the classroom. The site allows searches by subject.

Learn more: m3.ime.unicamp.br