Student Classes
New York Math Circle’s goal is to constantly challenge your mind. You’ll get to solve unusual problems and invent your own, apply existing knowledge in new situations, learn famous gems of mathematics, and explore the unknown. The Math Circle will open your eyes and increase your sensitivity to all the mathematics around us. Our main requirement is that you have an open mind and a willingness to work.
NYMC is not a tutoring or test preparation program. Classes focus on material you won’t encounter in the regular curriculum. We’ll help you develop reasoning and problem solving skills, and along the way will help you enjoy, appreciate, and expand your knowledge of mathematics.
Summer 2008 NEW
Summer Courses are open to all high school students with an interest in learning and doing mathematics above and beyond regular curriculum. You can choose one of the two courses described below.
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| When: | July 8 - July 24, Monday - Thursday, 10am - 3pm. Lunches will be provided. |
| Where: | NYU Courant Institute, 251 Mercer St (map). |
| Cost: | $250 (need-based waivers are possible). |
Problem Solving
Instructor: David Hankin, Room 813
Interesting topics and intriguing problems will be explored in a casual setting, providing ample challenges for students of varying levels. This course emphasizes problem solving and posing, through a variety of fascinating topics in number theory, algebra, and geometry. It is intended for students wishing to hone their reasoning and analytical skills, to practice for a math team, or simply to have fun learning great math.
Introduction to Research
Instructor: Larry Zimmerman, Room 1013
Essentials of crafting a mathematical research paper or project will be presented in detail, addressing topic selection, problem analysis, sources, resources, design fundamentals, extensions, techniques of writing, and more. This course is intended for students wishing to acquire deeper insight into the mathematics, and to produce mathematical research on a level appropriate for regional and national math fairs and competitions. Substantial time will be devoted to proof writing and topic development. Many exemplars will be studied ranging from the basic expository paper to papers exploring original problems and developing original results.
Recent Classes
This spring we had one class, Level II, for students in grades 9-11.
Level II (Grades 9–11)
When: Saturdays 11am - 1pm, March 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
Holidays: March 22, April 26.
Where: NYU Courant Institute, 251 Mercer St
(map), Room 613.
Instructor: David Hankin.
Registration fee: $105, paid in class.
This course includes topics in number theory, algebra, and geometry. It also addresses subtle mathematical ideas, including the nature and construction of proofs. Problem posing and problem solving are emphasized throughout.
Prerequisites: You should be enthusiastic about the study of mathematics, and comfortable with regular high school material. In particular, we expect you to be familiar with basic algebra, including quadratic equations.
Syllabus: Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: divisors, number congruences, polynomial equations, logarithms, sequences and series, fascinating topics in geometry (including Mass Points, Pick’s Theorem, and others), combinatorics, recursion, and much more. Exact topics will depend on students’ interests and time constraints.
Future Classes
We are also planning to offer a class for students in grades 6-8 in the fall. If you are interested, please let us know about your preferences to help us plan.
Level I (Grades 6–8)
Details to be determined.
This course includes topics in arithmetic, elementary geometry, advanced counting, and sequences. We’ll emphasize problem posing and problem solving throughout the course, and introduce algebra as needed.
Prerequisites: You should be well-versed in arithmetic, including order of operations, and operations with fractions, decimals, and percents. Enthusiasm about math, and some success in the subject (for example, a 4 on the last New York State Math Exam) are also required.
Syllabus: Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: numbers (bases, divisibility, LCM, HCF), counting (including basic combinatorics), sets, geometric facts, sequences, transformations, and solids. Each class will also include very basic proof writing, problem solving, and problem posing. Exact topics will depend on students’ interests and time constraints.
Stay Informed
To subscribe to information about student classes, see our contact page. Or help us plan by letting us know about your interests and preferences here.