Math Meets Motion at Montclair State’s Math & Sports Day

61 high school students and six educators from Bloomfield High School, Goshen High School, and Paterson P-TECH joined our community on campus for a hands-on exploration of how mathematics shapes the world of sports.

Students rotated through interactive sessions across campus, beginning with a welcome from faculty member Dr. Bodgan Nita, who introduced Montclair State University, the College of Science and Mathematics, and academic opportunities within the Department of Mathematics. One session ran by Dr. Ashwin Vaidya explored how mathematics models real-world sports phenomena, from the parabolic motion of balls to the effects of wind, friction, and spin on athletic performance.

In another session led by Dr. Steven Greenstein, students examined how mathematical thinking informs the design of sports equipment. Participants learned about 3D-printing applications in athletics and watched a hockey puck being printed live in the CELS Atrium, connecting abstract concepts to tangible outcomes.

The day also included a visit to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, where students engaged with the history of sports and participated in baseball throwing drills led by museum staff. With support from faculty members, and student ambassadors Ryan Avalon, Preston Pietruzewski, Vlad Nita, Alex Brown and Nyaisha Green, Math & Sports Day showcased how mathematics extends far beyond the classroom.