Kids start developing an interest in the subjects of maths, English, science, and history when they understand the concepts in school. In this situation, competitive exams are great sources to foster their interest.
The Kangaroo math competition is one of the most competitive exams for students from grades 1 to 12. In this blog, weāve aimed to explain Math Kangaroo in detail and collect all the information you need to know about the Kangaroo math competition.
If you want to discover this competitive math exam to get your kid prepared for it, keep reading!
Mathematical Kangaroo is an international mathematics competition also known as the Kangaroo math contest. The exam is affiliated with the France-based association kangourou sans frontiĆØres and is applied in more than 90 countries.
Designed by academicians and mathematicians, the Kangaroo math competition aims to change the idea of āmath is difficult and boringā with attractive, daily life-related, and fun questions.
The exam consists of two stages that include math questions grouped equally under three levels of difficulty. As it is a highly competitive exam, only first-round perfect scorer kids qualify for the final round of the exam.
| Easy Level Kangaroo Test Questions | Moderate Level Kangaroo Test Questions | Hard Level Kangaroo Test Questions |
|---|---|---|
| One-step mathematic problems from the national curriculum | Math questions that require creative problem-solving skills | Multi-step math problems at the highest level |
The Math Kangaroo test categories can vary according to the studentsā grades. While kids in grades 1 to 4 enter Pre-Ecolier and Ecolier exams, kids in grades 5 to 12 enter Benjamin, Cadet, Junior, and Student exams.
Around 6 million participants enter the Kangaroo math test every year from all over the world. Thus, preparing for the Kangaroo math competition requires a great deal of time and effort with the right sources. š
Luckily, the MentalUP app offers more than 150 games and 240+ fitness exercises to help kids improve their cognitive skills to get ready for the Kangaroo math test easily. Especially with its activities that boost kidsā attention and logical thinking skills, it is the best possible support for applicants! š®
You can develop your kidās overall learning ability, concentration, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills and guarantee success in the Math Kangaroo competition! š
Kids can apply for Kangaroo math competitions through schools or individually. Also, the Math Kangaroo registration is open for both in-person and virtual applications. Most of the time, registrations open in the middle of September.
The exam registration process includes regular and late registration options. While regular registration takes place in the middle and end of September, late registrations can be submitted until the end of December.
After the registration process, the Math Kangaroo competition takes place on the 3rd Thursday of March all around the world.
As the Kangaroo math test aims to get students engaged and excited about the subject of math, its problem format, scoring, and rules are quite different from other competitive exams.
Unlike other math competitions, the Math Kangaroo competition puts a special emphasis on three-dimensional geometry. In addition to that, the Math Kangaroo test includes a lower proportion of discrete mathematic problems when compared to other mathematical competitions.
The Kangaroo test takes 75 minutes to complete. For students in grades 1 to 4, the exam includes 24 multiple-choice questions. On the other hand, for students in grades 5 to 12, the exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
Each section includes math questions from a variety of subjects, like algebra and geometry. In some cases, few logic and physics questions may appear.
The Kangaroo test questions require perseverance, creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as basic computational skills.
Even though the exam scoring applies the same for all grades, problems in the Kangaroo math test are worth a different number of points according to the level of difficulty.
Each section includes a different number of questions. For grades 1 to 4, each section includes 8 questions, and for grades 5 to 12, sections include 10 questions.
The first part of these questions is worth 3 points each, while the second and third parts are worth 4 and 5. Also, for each incorrect answer, one point is deducted.
As the level of competition is high, the Math Kangaroo competition rules are the same for all students in all countries.
The Kangaroo math competition rules are as follows:
While students in grades 1-4 can get up to 96 points, students in grades 5-12 can earn up to 120 points in the Math Kangaroo competition. The expected score for the mathematical Kangaroo exam is 36.8 points with a standard deviation of 9.4 points. That is a great score for students who apply for the competition.
Obviously, it is not easy for students to get the expected score as the level of competition is really high. Thus, students need to learn foundational concepts and practice to improve their speed, math, and problem-solving skills.
This is exactly where MentalUP steps in! MentalUPās brain games and exercises are specifically designed for kids to improve their math and cognitive skills. š
MentalUP offers fun and educational games and activities for kids from all grades. Especially with its math activities to support kidsā attention, concentration, geometry, calculation, logic, and 3-dimensional thinking skills, MentalUP is the right solution for kids to have a great score on the mathematical Kangaroo exam. š
Would you like to encourage your kid to participate in the mathematical Kangaroo competition? Then you should try MentalUP right now!
Participation in mathematical Kangaroo competitions is so high at both the international and national levels. Studentsā ranks are calculated internationally and nationally every year.
The national rank shows studentsā success ratings in all participating countries. On the other hand, state or country-specific rankings show their success in their country.
Although the extra Math Kangaroo prizes for students with average points and success rates can vary in different countries, the top-scoring kids always get gold, silver, and bronze medals along with money prizes. In addition to that, all participants get a participation certificate.
In the first round, the top 5% of kids get gold medals, while the following top 10% of kids get silver and bronze medals.
For the second round, students who score higher than 90% receive a perfect score award along with a gold medal and $100 in cash.
As mentioned before, the annual Kangaroo math competition takes place on the 3rd Thursday of March every year. In 2024, the competition will be held on March 16th all around the world.
We know that it is an exciting process for parents to prepare their kids for such an exam. In terms of helping parents discover their kidsā potential and expand their overall skills, MentalUP is always here to help! š
With MentalUP games and activities, it only takes 20 minutes daily to support your kid's success anytime, anywhere! āØ