Calculus Field Day
Calculus Field Day brings together Boston Public Schools students to compete in mock AP Calculus exams, building teamwork, problem-solving skills, and confidence to excel on the AP exam and in college.
Calculus Field Day
Since 2009, Calculus Field Day has been a signature event of Northeastern University’s Bridge to Calculus Program. Created in partnership with Boston Public Schools, the event invites students to experience mathematics beyond the classroom.
Participants work in small teams to solve thoughtfully designed challenges in Precalculus and AP Calculus. The atmosphere is focused yet encouraging, competitive but grounded in collaboration.
More than a contest, it is an opportunity for students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers within a university setting.
What students can expect
Who Participates
11th and 12th grade student enrolled in Precalculus or AP Calculus
9th and 10th grade students join the Activators—interactive math brain teasers
Skills Developed
- Confidence in advanced coursework
- Mathematical communication
- Analytical reasoning
- Exam readiness
- Peer collaboration
Program Format
Groups of three students compete in timed rounds
- Applied Precalculus and AP Calculus problems
- Activators for younger participants
- Award ceremony to conclude the afternoon
Highlights from 2026 Calculus Field Day
Calculus Field Day (CFD) 2026 marked a record-breaking milestone for Bridge to Calculus, welcoming over 165 students from 8 Boston Public Schools for a day of mathematical exploration, competition, and community at Northeastern’s Department of Mathematics.
The day opened with remarks from Dr. Bindu Veetel, BtC Coordinator, who reflected on the history and growth of the event, followed by welcome addresses from Dr. Ken Duffy, Chair of the Math Department; Dr. Brent Nelson, Dean of the College of Science; Dr. Angela Hedley-Mitchell, Chief of Teaching & Learning; Dr. Anita Lavakumar, AP/IB Director; and BtC alum Tristan Campbell.
Students competed in two rounds across AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, Precalculus, AP Precalculus, and the Activators Challenge for 9th and 10th graders, each round crafted and conducted by Math faculty and Northeastern students to test analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Refreshments and pizza followed, setting a lively, celebratory tone for the closing ceremony, which featured a college access session by Jasmine Morales of Bottom Line and the presentation of the Bob and Osla Case Award by Seema Korumilli of Literacy Movement for More to Oswaldo Vazquez and Ruben Morales for their outstanding achievement.
BPS Math Directors Armando Segura and Ashley Jacobson were also in attendance, underscoring the strength of the BPS–Northeastern partnership. Dr. Ken Duffy and Armando Segura presented trophies and medals to the top performers in each category, bringing CFD 2026 to a close on a high note; celebrating curiosity, collaboration, and a shared enthusiasm for calculus beyond the classroom.
