Mathematical Contest "Smart Kangaroo 2025": Developing Logical Thinking of Schoolchildren

On January 31, 2025, the mathematical contest "Smart Kangaroo 2025" was held in classrooms 321, 324, and 325 of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, as well as in the large hall named after O.A. Zholdasbekov. Schoolchildren also participated in the event, competing at their respective schools: 17 schools across the city hosted similar stages of the contest. First-year students of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at KazNU acted as observers and assistants to the organizers, while senior school students went to other schools to conduct the olympiad stages.

The main goal of the "Smart Kangaroo" contest is to develop logical and critical thinking in schoolchildren, increase their interest in mathematics, and stimulate creative approaches to solving non-standard problems. The contest helps students not only test their knowledge but also improve their skills in solving complex mathematical problems, contributing to the formation of strong analytical abilities. This is directly related to SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education that fosters the development of skills necessary for future achievements in science and technology.

The contest was organized by first-year student activists of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at KazNU, who actively participated in the preparation and execution of the event. All participants received commemorative pencil cases from the Olympiad Preparation Center. Students and faculty members who were actively involved in organizing the contest were awarded certificates of appreciation. The results of the contest will be announced at the end of February 2025, serving as additional motivation for schoolchildren to continue developing their mathematical skills.

The "Smart Kangaroo 2025" contest became an important event for students, demonstrating a high degree of youth engagement in the development of science and education. It also served as a great example of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as the event was organized through close collaboration between educational institutions and youth, which helps achieve common goals in the field of education and science.