What We Do
Weekly meetings will be organized for Rochester area school-age students for math enrichment and for national math competitions preparation.
We follow a hybridized math circle and regular classroom teaching style (to learn more about math circles, click here). Topics taught will be geared towards mathematical competitions in the US, such as the AMC series (for more information on the AMC, click here). Topics will differ from meeting to meeting. Each meeting will provide a unique experience for the students, where we will provide different opportunities, including activities, puzzles, lectures, competitions, and guest speakers. Please view our Events Page for more information on ongoing opportunities.
It is suggested that students understand the basics of mathematics (add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc) before joining any level.
We follow a hybridized math circle and regular classroom teaching style (to learn more about math circles, click here). Topics taught will be geared towards mathematical competitions in the US, such as the AMC series (for more information on the AMC, click here). Topics will differ from meeting to meeting. Each meeting will provide a unique experience for the students, where we will provide different opportunities, including activities, puzzles, lectures, competitions, and guest speakers. Please view our Events Page for more information on ongoing opportunities.
It is suggested that students understand the basics of mathematics (add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc) before joining any level.
Club Levels
The information below will help you determine which level to join. Tests have also been created (scroll down) to help you make a stronger decision.
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Novice Level I
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Novice Level I includes topics such as basic algebra and geometry, with a stronger focus on hands-on activities. This level is recommended for elementary school-aged students with a mathematics passion, but have not yet participated in any math enrichment outside of school (as listed above).
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Novice Level II
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Novice Level II includes topics such as basic algebra and geometry, an introduction to probability/combinatorics, with a focus on hands-on activities. This level is recommended for elementary school-aged students who have participated in one or more of the math opportunities listed above, or students in middle school who have not participated in outside math opportunities.
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Novice III
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Novice III includes topics such as algebra, geometry, probability/combinatorics, and an introduction to number theory. We will also dive into interesting phenomena that can be explained using math. This level is recommended for elementary school-aged students who have participated in math opportunities and students in middle school who have participated in one or more outside math opportunities.
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Intermediate
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Intermediate includes topics such as algebra, geometry, probability/combinatorics, and an introduction to number theory. Hands-on activities will be used to introduce each meeting. We will also dive into interesting phenomena that can be explained using math. This level is recommended for middle school-aged students who have participated in many math opportunities, or students in high school who have participated in one or more outside math opportunities.
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Advanced
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Advanced is the highest level the club offers. Topics include algebra, geometry, probability/combinatorics, number theory, and an introduction to mathematical proofs. This level is more competition math-driven. That is, hands-on activities may be used to guide a discussion, but will be rarely used for other purposes. Advanced Level is recommended for students who feel confident with their mathematical abilities and have participated in a number of math competitions or camps in recent years.
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Some Contests: |
Novice Levels (I/II/III): Math Kangaroo, Math Masters, Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School (MOEMS)
Intermediate: Math Kangaroo, Math Masters, MOEMS, AMC 8 Advanced: AMC 10/12, Minnesota High School Math League, Purple Comet, tournaments hosted at colleges (including Harvard-MIT (HMMT), Princeton (PuMAC), Carleton College (CMC), Carnegie Mellon (CMIMC), Minnesota State University Mankato, and St Cloud State University) Placement tests are provided for you below to determine which level of math you may want to enroll in. As our club expands, we will analyze the demands of the participants to consider replacing old programs or adding new programs. |
Fluid Days
The club was made so that all students from the Rochester community received an opportunity to futher their STEM passion. We want to make sure that the math level you sign up for moves at the pace needed to progress your knowledge. Thus, we have dedicated a number of weeks to ease the transitions. Fluid Days occur for the first month (first four meetings) of each semester. Students are free to join any level at the club, and are able to move around to each level to find the perfect fit. Afterwards, if you still believe that the level you joined is too difficult, we will make accommodations to switch your level.
Placement Level Tests
A 30 question test for each level is provided for you to judge which math circle you (or your student) want to join. Regardless of your score, you can choose to join any level, and if you feel like the level you enroll in is too difficult, we can make arrangements to change the level. No matter what, remember that one test cannot encompass your mathematical essence. The answers will be provided below as soon as they become available. Detailed solutions can be accessed once you become a member. To see these solutions, go to the "Members" page.
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*Note to students:
Most problems are designed to be above your level. They are meant to give you a sense of what to expect on advanced math contests. Please do not feel discouraged if you are unable to solve them. You will learn the techniques and methods for approaching and solving difficult problems as you progress through the program.
Most problems are designed to be above your level. They are meant to give you a sense of what to expect on advanced math contests. Please do not feel discouraged if you are unable to solve them. You will learn the techniques and methods for approaching and solving difficult problems as you progress through the program.
Recommended placement for your score:
Novice Level I: 3/30 or less (on Novice Test)
Novice Level II: 7/30 or more (on Novice Test)
Intermediate Level I: 3/30 or less (on Intermediate Test)
Intermediate Level II: 7/30 or more (on Intermediate Test)
Advanced Level: 7/30 or more (on Advanced Test)
Feel free to take all the tests if it makes it easier for you to determine which level you join. For example, if you answer more than 8 correct on the novice test, it would be worthwhile to take the intermediate test as well.
Novice Level I: 3/30 or less (on Novice Test)
Novice Level II: 7/30 or more (on Novice Test)
Intermediate Level I: 3/30 or less (on Intermediate Test)
Intermediate Level II: 7/30 or more (on Intermediate Test)
Advanced Level: 7/30 or more (on Advanced Test)
Feel free to take all the tests if it makes it easier for you to determine which level you join. For example, if you answer more than 8 correct on the novice test, it would be worthwhile to take the intermediate test as well.