Sharpen your No. 2 pencils and try this test:

1. Zosia is drawing kangaroos. The first one is blue, the next one is green, followed by red and finally yellow; and then again blue, green, red and yellow, and so on in the same order. What color will the 17th kangaroo be?

A. blue

B. green

C. red

D. black

E. yellow

2. What is the smallest positive integer divisible by 2, 3, and 4?

A. 1

B. 6

C. 12

D. 24

E. 36

3. When a barrel is 30 percent empty, it contains 30 liters more water than when it is 30 percent full. What is the capacity of the barrel?

A. 60 liters

B. 75 liters

C. 90 liters

D. 100 liters

E. 120 liters

The problems are actual questions from past Math Kangaroo contests.

The seventh annual International Mathematical Competition, better known as Math Kangaroo, will take place March 18 at the Lisle Hyatt Hotel. Students in grades 3 through 12 who want to test their skills while vying for prizes need to register this week.

By taking part in Math Kangaroo, students become part of a worldwide event to highlight the importance of math. On the day of the contest, approximately 3 million students solve the same problems in more than 44 countries. There are five locations in the Chicago area, in addition to sites in Ohio and New Jersey. The international event's main purpose is to promote mathematical thinking and stimulate an interest in math.

"The idea is to show kids that math is not difficult; it is fun, easy to do and relates to everyday life," said Maria Omelanczuk, president of Math Kangaroo in USA.

Math is a universal language, the educator said. The numbers and problem solving skills are the same in Lisle, Lisbon, Lodz and LaPaz.

Organizers plan to send the top five participants from all students tested in the United States to one of the 10-day European Kangaroo Vacation Camps that combine mathematics with a tourist program. A total of 80 students representing 16 countries participate in a camp, which is conducted in English. In 2002, four of the five U.S. camp participants hailed from the Midwest.

The math contest originated more than 20 years ago in Australia as an initiative by mathematician Peter O'Halloran who wanted children to enjoy math more. The idea spread to France in 1991 where the name "Kangaroo" was adopted. Quickly Math Kangaroo became popular among students in many European countries. Within 10 years, 27 European and American countries were on board, administering tests to a combined 2 million participants.

"I heard it on Polish radio that many of the Saturday Polish schools that began by teaching the culture - music and language - were now also going to teach math and computer classes to help students achieve success and contribute to the country that received their parents and grandparents," said Omelanczuk, a Lisle resident. "I was hired by the school to teach math."

During Omelanczuk's seven years as a math teacher at John III Sobieski School of Polish Language and Culture in Chicago, she searched for math competitions in which her students could participate. Her enthusiasm at finding Math Kangaroo soon spread to other teachers at the school.

The competition was first held at the Saturday Polish school, but as more students from other schools asked to be included, teachers Joanna Lasek and Izabela Szpiech joined Omelanczuk to form the not-for-profit organization Math Kangaroo in USA, which now organizes the events. Within a few years, the organization opened additional test locations.

The three mathematicians want to encourage students in all schools to participate in the contest. With the help of the Lisle Convention and Visitors Bureau, Omelanczuk found a convenient location within her own community to reach suburban students.

Organizers anticipate 40 to 50 students will take part at the Lisle location.

Math Kangaroo also maintains an informative Web site, found at both www.mathkangaroo.com and www.kangurusa.com, with an extensive list of links and past exams.

"We know some families go to our site to practice math," Omelanczuk said

When participants arrive at the contest site, each will receive an envelope that contains the test for one of 10 levels from grades 3 through senior-level high school. Most students participate at their own grade level, but permission to compete at a higher grade level is possible.

The 75-minute tests will begin precisely at 6:30 p.m., so students will need to come at least 15 minutes earlier and parents should wait for their children.

"Some (students) will finish in 30 minutes," Omelanczuk said.

Tests contain 24 problems for students in levels three and four and 30 problems for levels five to 12, each of increasing difficulty worth from three to five points. The multiple-choice questions, like those shown above, have five possible answers. Answers are done on a separate answer sheet and scratch sheets are provided. Calculators are not allowed.

Problems require logical thinking and mathematical skills appropriate to the level. Upon test completion each participant receives a diploma and award. Notification of participation is given to each child's school.

"We will inform participants of the award ceremony, and all are invited to come," Omelanczuk said.

Last year, students won certificates to Best Buy, she said.

"I have parents call me now and ask when the competition is being held," she said. "We have families who register all their children."

Register on the Internet at www.mathkangaroo.com or by mail to Math Kangaroo in USA, P.O. Box 472, Lisle, IL 60532. Flyers are available at the Lisle Library. Registration ends March 10 and is $25 online and $27 elsewhere.

By the way, here are the answers to the opening math problems:

1. A

2. C

3. B

- Joan Broz writes about Lisle. You can reach her by e-mail at jgbroz@yahoo.com.