Math Kangaroo is an international math competition that challenges students in grades 1 to 12 with fun and engaging math problems. The competition originated in Australia, expanded to Europe, and spread to more countries worldwide, including the United States.
What I like about the Math Kangaroo competition is that it is open to everyone, regardless of their background or experience in mathematics. So, if you are looking for a way to challenge yourself and have fun while doing it, Math Kangaroo may be the perfect activity for you.
Let’s take a closer look at what Math Kangaroo is all about, its history, and how it works. You might also enjoy reading: Is Math Kangaroo Worth It For Your Child?
What Is Math Kangaroo?
Math Kangaroo is an annual math competition that is open to students in grades 1 through 12. The competition was created to foster a love of mathematics and encourage students to think critically about problem-solving (Source: Math Kangaroo USA)
Generally, Math Kangaroo comprises six participation levels, ranging from grade 1 to grade 12. The competition is typically held annually on the third Thursday of March. It consists of problems in a multiple-choice form that are not standard notebook problems and come from various topics.
Students need to develop basic computational skills to succeed in the Math Kangaroo challenge. In addition, students who often achieve success on Math Kangaroo are creative, imaginative, perseverant, and think logically and use other problem-solving strategies.
History Of Math Kangaroo
The idea originated in Australia in 1978, with the purpose of organizing a competition underlining the joy of mathematics and encouraging mathematical problem-solving (Source: Association Kangourou sans Frontières (AKSF))
At the same time, in France and worldwide, a widely supported movement emerged toward popularizing mathematics. The idea of a multiple-choice international competition grew from two French teachers, André Deledicq and Jean Pierre Boudine, while visiting their Australian colleagues Peter O’Holloran and Peter Taylor.
In 1990, André Deledicq and Jean Pierre Boudine decided to create a challenge in France under Kangourou des Mathématiques to pay tribute to their Australian colleagues. The particularity of their challenge was to massively distribute documentation and offer a gift to each participant, including books, small games, fun objects, and scientific and cultural trips.
The first Kangaroo challenge was launched on May 15th, 1991, and was immediately very successful; André Deledicq and Jean Pierre Boudine spread the idea in Europe shortly afterward.
In June 1994, the association Kangourou Sans Frontières (Kangaroo Without Borders) was founded in Strasbourg (France).
Kangaroo Math competitions first spread in Europe with Kangourou des Mathématiques inviting mathematicians from several European countries.
The table below shows the number of participants in Kangaroo Math competitions from 1991 to 1993
| Year | Number Of Participants |
| 1991 | 120 000 |
| 1992 | 300 000 |
| 1993 | 500,000 |
How Does Math Kangaroo Work?
The process for participating in Math Kangaroo is simple. First, parents or guardians need to register their child online or through mail/fax registration forms available from their local organizers (school) or a national representative organization (e.g., American Mathematics Competitions).
After registering, students will receive an invitation by email with further instructions on how to take the exam. On the day of the test, students will sit for the exam at a designated location and return their completed papers once they are finished.
Once all exams have been collected and graded, results will be released within two weeks after the completion date. The top three scorers receive medals and certificates at each grade level, while high-performing participants may qualify for additional awards such as scholarships or trips abroad for summer camps in mathematics.
The table below shows Math Kangaroo competition scoring depending on the grade level
| Grades | Number Of Questions | Maximum Possible Score |
| Grades 1 to 4 | 24 questions | 96 |
| Grades 5 to 12 | 30 questions | 120 |
Who Can Participate In Math Kangaroo?
All students from grades 1-12 qualify for Math Kangaroo participation if they can work independently, read, and answer a multiple-choice test. The good news is that each student participating in the Math Kangaroo challenge will receive a T-shirt, a gift, and an electronic participation certificate.
Parents can register their children online via the official website or find out if any local centers are hosting events near them.
Regardless of your experience or knowledge level in mathematics, I encourage any students to join the Math Kangaroo challenge and have fun while pushing themselves toward success.
What to read next:
- Preparing for Math Olympiad – A Guide for High School Students.
- Unlocking Your Potential with the Math Olympiad.
- 9 Benefits of Participating in Math Competitions.
Final Thoughts
Math Kangaroo is a great way for students to challenge themselves with math problems while having fun.
Additionally, I believe participating in Math Kangaroo competitions is an excellent way for kids to hone their math skills while challenging themselves against other students from around the world. It will also give them a leg up when it comes time to apply for college admissions since most universities value participation in competitions like
Whether you are just starting out with math or already know your stuff, I encourage you to join international mathematics competitions, such as Math Kangaroo or International Mathematical Olympiad.