12: MaPP Challenge: Giving a Taste of Contemporary Mathematics Research to Secondary Students in a Puzzle‑Based Outreach Program

The focus of this chapter is the MaPP (Mathematical Puzzle Programs) Challenge, an annual informal outreach event for students in Grades 7–12 (ages 12–18), that aims to reshape negative perceptions of mathematics by integrating contemporary mathematics into public outreach events. By deconstructing and presenting complex mathematics research within contextualized puzzles and gameplay, and not requiring prerequisite knowledge from the formal mathematics curriculum, these events are accessible to students of varying mathematical identities. Analysis of survey data from participants revealed significant shifts in understanding of what counts as mathematics, increased interest in mathematics, and improved attitudes toward mathematics. Follow-up interviews with participants informed researchers regarding features of the Challenge that may contribute to its effectiveness.