Math and Science Competitions
USC MESA offers numerous academic, hands-on and fun competitions throughout the
year for students. Competitions are ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge,
to be recognized, to visit university campuses, to meet students from other schools,
to represent their school and USC MESA, and to have fun. Most importantly, competitions
help students shine and look great on college applications.
MESA Day is held each Spring of each year for middle school and high school students.
These hands-on mathematics, science and engineering competitions are aligned to
California State Content Standards. Students compete in such competitions as
balsawood bridge, balsawood glider, crystal growing, mathematics, mousetrap car,
packaged egg drop, and web design. Sponsors of MESA Days at USC include SBC Pacific
Bell, Panda Cares (
Panda Restaurant Group), Conexant, Lockheed Martin, Teradyne, Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Tidelands Oil.
Thanks to these corporations for their contributions, support, and volunteers.
MESA Day Goals
- Provide students with an opportunity to apply mathematics, science and engineering
principles to individual and team academic contests and over time to develop their
mastery of these academic skills.
- Expose students to other campuses, college faculty, technical equipment and laboratories,
etc.
- Encourage students to explore attending colleges in other locations and cities.
- Build self-esteem and confidence in students.
- Encourage and motivate students to excel.
- Expose students to leading-edge technology thus increasing their exposure to
and awareness of math and science careers.
