After considering multiple ideas John decided that a math bee might just do the trick. It was determined that fourth grade was the optimal grade for student participants because fourth grade math skills are critical to future success in math. John then secured the necessary permissions, researched existing math bees, developed rules, obtained funding, and recruited volunteers. Fourth grade teachers helped John create math bee questions. After lots of hard work it was finally time for the math bee. Over one-hundred fourth graders participated in the first Fourth Grade MathBee Invitational. Within five years the MathBee had expanded from one to twenty-five schools, and from 100 student participants to 2,225. Approximately 20,000 fourth graders have participated in the MathBee over the past 14 years.

The Fourth Grade MathBee Invitational is held in three stages. The first round includes all fourth grade students at participating schools. The top four students from each classroom then participate in the school final. Each school champion goes on to compete in the school district final. The district final is a math-magical event filled with excitement. Over four hundred students watch in anticipation as their peers compete on the stage. The atmosphere is tense as students answer questions and solve math problems until one student is finally declared the winner. The top three winners each receive a large trophy and impressive award check - $1000 for first, $500 for second and $250 for third.