Pencils flurried and minds whizzed as students took part in the 38th annual Math Superbowl competition May 31 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

More than 350 students in fourth to sixth grade from 32 public and private schools throughout southern Santa Barbara County competed.

Participants were teams of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders representing the brightest young mathematicians.

Goleta Union School District’s Mountain View School took first place, Peabody Charter School second place, and Montecito Union School third place in the combined overall school category.

Top awards were also earned on an individual basis, and by grade level. (Click here for the complete list of winners.)

The competition is sponsored by Cold Spring School, Montecito Union School, Peabody Charter School, and the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

Students were put to the test this year by three pencil and paper assessments: two taken individually and one as a team with their classmates. Questions involved a variety of concepts and problem-solving tasks.

The event ended with a hands-on engineering challenge in which each team attempted to build the highest structure with just paper, popsicle sticks and tape.

“It was great to see the excitement from all the students and families,” said Jeff Linder, math specialist at Montecito Union School, and Math Superbowl organizer. “I love to see the energy and enthusiasm for math.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to host the competition inside since Covid. The huge open space of the exhibit hall worked really well for the event.”

Ellen Barger, associate superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction for the Santa Barbara County Education Office, announced the winners.

“The energy and excitement for mathematics filled the entire hall,” she said. “We are so fortunate to have such dedicated teachers, coaches, and administrators who foster students’ love of mathematics and problem-solving.”