The 19th annual High School Mathematics and Science Challenge at the State University of New York at Fredonia today, May 23, gives a nod to the venerable television franchise “CSI” (Crime Scene Investigation) with this year’s theme, “CS’Pi'”

Almost 400 students from 20 area high schools will compete for trophies and T-shirts in a seven math and science team events designed to develop a greater appreciation for the applicability and power of mathematics, science and engineering. Students will work as members of a team to creatively apply aspects of mathematics and science.

The events, held in McEwen and Steele halls, are: Riddle Me Smadness; Forensic Tool Kit Transport; A Tricky Trajectory; Double Double Time ‘O Crime; Bad to the Bones: CSI Paleo Edition; Cool Clue and CS’Pi’ Math and Science Skillz Challenge. The final event consists of Blind Crime Scene Recreation;” Race to Solve the Case; Hide in Plain Sight and Team CS’Pi’ Cold Case — Bang your Head.

Challenge activities will be staged from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are free to students enrolled in participating school districts.

Fostering a greater appreciation for the applicability and power of mathematics, science and engineering is the goal of the challenge. While awards will be presented, along with T-shirts and Fredonia gear, faculty in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which conducts the event every year, say the goal is to provide students in grades 10 to 12 with inspiration to pursue careers that incorporate mathematics, science and/or engineering.