Christmas Math Competition with the Effect of Peppermint, Educational Impact Analysis

This study examines how middle school students performed on a 25-question, 70 minute math assessment called the Ho-Ho-Ho Math Showdown. Students were given peppermint during the test as well. Data from 35 test takers were used to identify strengths, weaknesses, and error patterns. Results showed that there is a lower mastery in advanced geometry, algebraic reasoning, and understanding of division by zero. Findings suggest targeted instruction is necessary in foundational operations, conceptual reasoning, and test-taking interpretation. Keywords: math, Christmas, middle school, conceptual