Calling all children curious about mathematics! A monthly elementary mathematics circle will run as a pilot at West Loop Library. Please see the details below.
Math Circles for students bring K-12 students together with mathematically sophisticated leaders in an informal setting, after school or on weekends, to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics. Math Circles combine significant content with settings that encourage a sense of discovery and excitement about mathematics through problem-solving and interactive exploration. Ideal problems are low-threshold, high-ceiling; they offer a variety of entry points and can be approached with a minimal mathematical background, but lead to deep mathematical concepts and can be connected to advanced mathematics.
Location: West Loop Library, <specific location within the space?>
Age: Grades 1-4
Parents: This is not a drop off class, you have to stay on-site.
Student teacher ratio: 10:1
Class Time: Will begin promptly at 6:30 PM (or another time as we can discuss)
Class Duration: 45 minutes.
Sign up details:??
Can my kindegarten student with advanced mathematical knowledge attend? Not at this time. We will look into developing this program for younger students after our initial pilot. If the child has had formal gifted identification in the area of mathematics, we may make exception for the weekday day-time homeschooler circle.
Can my 5th grader attend? Not at this time, but http://www.mathcircles.org/what-is-a-math-circle/ is enrolling students for grades 5+ for free.
Are students of all abilities welcome? Absolutely.
Is there preparation/homework/assessment in/for this class: no
Is there prerequisite knowledge: No. The program is designed for children interested in mathematics. Just as you wouldn't want to bring a child to hockey that wouldn't be interested in it and wouldn't participate, or to art, if they don't like art, please consider your child's interests before signing up.
Will this program prepare my child to take the CPS selective enrollment placement test? No. This is not one of the formal goals and outcomes of the program. The program will strengthen the child’s math fluency, literacy, self confidence, and perseverance, which may translate to academic benefits.
What is the goal of the program? The goal of the problem is to provide a child with a chance to work with a sophisticated, advanced mathematician in a way that will encourage a sense of discovery and excitement about mathematics through problem-solving and interactive exploration. As a result, math fluency, literacy, self confidence, and perseverance should increase.
Who is paying for this program: We are working with the Chicago Public Library to provide the space for the evening program free of charge. The Midwest Academy for Gifted Education is sponsoring the coordination, instructor and curriculum design for the circle.
Will there be a chance to provide feedback about the program? Yes, we would love all feedback. Please be patient with us as we run our pilot and iron out the kinks.
Will you plan for any measurable outcomes for the program? We will solicit parental feedback but at this time we do not have such a goal at this time.
Where can I learn more about math circles? http://www.mathcircles.org/what-is-a-math-circle/
When will you expand this program to multiple locations? Anyone can start a math circle. We do not have any plans past the initial pilot at this time.