Prime Factor Math Circle
2011-2012 Prime Factor Math Circles
In the 2011-2012 school year, the Prime Factor intends to operate several Math Circles of different levels. All classes are going to share the common methodology, however the scope of the presented materials and presentation approach will differ.
Elementary School Circle 1 (grades 3-4):
In this circle, we will spend a lot of time working on the problems
and getting to the math concepts and ideas through hands-on
experience. We'll introduce the ideas of mathematical reasoning,
logics and mathematical proof.
Some of the topics that we intend to concentrate on are:
cryptography and ciphers, number systems, logical problems, weights
and fake coins, word problems, parity, strategic games,
elements of combinatorics, elements of geometry - cuts, areas and
symmetry.
Elementary School Circle 2 (grades 4-5):
For the children of this
age, one of the main goals is to teach them creative
step-by-step problem analysis. Another goal is to teach them how to
think about a problem logically and from multiple perspectives.
We’ll explore
various math topics and problem-solving techniques including
logics, odds and evens, constructive problems, elements of the
graph theory, 2D and 3D geometric reasoning and elements of divisibility theory. We'll do a lot of work on
challenging math problems that require creativity and out of the box
thinking. We’ll definitely pay a lot of
attention to math contests and other educational and enjoyable ways to
engage in problem solving.
Middle School Circle First Year (grades 6-7):
This circle is targeted for 5-7 grade students with or without previous math circle experience. The curriculum will include the theoretical and problem-solving sessions on the traditional math-circle topics that are interesting and accessible for the students of this age. These are: parity, logics, divisibility, combinatorics, constructive problems, cryptography, and others. We’ll also work on developing of the concepts of math reasoning, justification, proof and the basic ways of logical reasoning (proofs by contradiction, necessity and sufficiency etc) and others. We’ll also spend a lot of time working on the challenging problems that require mostly brainpower, creativity and common sense. Some of the classes will be devoted to math contests and competitions – educational ways to get students engaged in active problem solving.
Middle School Circle Second Year (grades 6-8):
This circle is tailored for the students of grades 6-8 who have already attended a math circle or are familiar with the our First Year Math Circle topics. In this circle, we plan to work on a set of the math circle topics that have not been covered in the Year 1. The new topics will include, but will not be limited to graph theory, invariants, colorings, geometry. We will also review and expend some of the Year 1 topics. As in all the other circles, we will spend a lot of time working on “challenging problems” and thinking-style problems.
Circle Format
Each circle will meet once a week for an hour and a half long session. A typical session consists of the presentation and class discussion of a math topic, combined with problem-solving. Unsolved problems will usually be given as homework and discussed during the next session. We will also hold sessions devoted mostly to math contests (team competitions) and math Olympiads (individual competitions).
