The Nautilus: Maryknoll Journal of Mathematics

Advisor: Mr. James Wong

The nautilus, also known as "the living fossil," is a creature that spends most of its life exploring the great depths of the ocean.  It resembles the logarithmic spiral, one that grows without altering its shape, and was recognized by the great mathematician Jacques Bernoulli as a symbol of "fortitude and constancy in adversity" as well as "growth and renewal." Like the nautilus, Maryknoll students broke out of their shells and explored the depths of mathematics through challenging monthly problems.

The Nautilus is created by and for students of Maryknoll School in order to explore the realm of mathematics and to recognize the expression of individuality through problem solving.  It is designed to showcase student creativity and problem solving ability by publishing the most interesting and elegant solutions. 

Each month, thirty new math problems were available for pick-up form the Library circulation desk.  Submissions were accepted from the beginning to the end of the month, and from September to March.   All students were invited to select one problem (or more), solve it, and submit their solution.  These math problems are non-routine (not textbook problems) and come from the monthly Mathematics Teachers published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NCTM.  Best solutions were selected and have been published in this historical first, student math publication. 

Seniors Rikuro Fukusato and Sophia Oak are co-editors for this journal.  Other staff members include Shane Bassett, Deion Law, Priscilla Luu, Rise Morisato, Jerry Su, Sara Yogi and Joyce Zhang.  A special thanks goes out to the members of the Mathematics Department for encouraging students to participate in this endeavor!