Math Circle
FALL 2013
Saturday Meetings
10:00AM-1:00 PM, Room 617 Wachman Hall
October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16, 2013
Description
This program is designed to provide middle school students with a variety of engaging mathematical experiences focused on extending their understanding and knowledge in mathematics. Topics include:
- Puzzle Solving Algorithms in Action
- A Primer on Prime Numbers
- Golden Ratio
- Logic
- Probability
- Topology
- Math in Music and Art
There will be two consecutive sessions run each Saturday. Students will have a short lunch break between sessions and must provide their own lunches.
Background
The Math Circle program focuses on enabling participants to build self-belief and mathematical confidence, on encouraging and nurturing excellence in mathematics and sciences, and on providing exposure to expert mathematical training and accomplished professionals who may serve as role models and mentors for the students. The goals of the Temple University Mathematics Circle are
- to show the middle school students that the study of mathematics can be exciting, beautiful and useful;
- to build confidence in students' mathematical knowledge through engaging and quality mathematical instruction;
- to introduce the middle school students to a variety of career opportunities for which sophisticated mathematical ability plays a key role;
- to emphasize the strategic role mathematics plays for success in STEM careers;
- to provide the participants with a support group and competent mentors which are successful undergraduate, graduate students and professionals from the STEM workforce;
- to ultimately shape the way students view themselves and their mathematical interest and ability.
Tentative Schedule
| Meeting Date | Session I Title | Session II Title |
| October 26, 2013 | Puzzle Solving: Algorithms in Action | The Golden Ratio |
| November 2, 2013 | Topology | TBA |
| November 9, 2013 | Probability | Mathematics, Music, and Art |
| November 16, 2013 | Logic | A Primer on Prime Numbers |
A total of 25 students distributed approximately evenly across the four grades will be accepted with preference being given to those that are able to commit to attending all 8 sessions on the 4 scheduled Saturdays.
Participants, please fill out the forms below.
Return Medical Consent, Family Agreement, and Image Consent forms to Jessie Hamm by
- E-mail: tuc07283@temple.edu
- Fax: (215) 204-6433
- US Mail: Department of Mathematics, Temple University, 1805 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Mentors and Instructors: Mentors and instructors for the program are typically undergraduate and graduate students in STEM disciplines at Temple University.
Organizers: Irina Mitrea, Jessie Hamm, Maria Lorenz, Ellen Panofsky, Elia Ziade
Program Contact: Irina Mitrea, 215-204-6741; imitrea@temple.edu
Sponsored by
Mathematical Sciences Research Institute at Berkeley,
National Association of Mathematics Circles,
National Defense Education Program,
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division,
Department of Mathematics
