Academy Programs
Elementary Enrichment: Problem Solving
Prealgebra
Introduction to Algebra
Eligibility and Guidelines
Location - World
Ages 8 and older
Computer and Internet
Attendance policy
Participation policy
Fall 2020 Courses
Elementary Enrichment: Problem Solving
Description
This one-semester course will introduce students to the joys of solving fun, mathematically interesting problems. It is geared toward 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who have already mastered basic four-function arithmetic. Students will be encouraged to collaborate to solve challenging problems or logic puzzles. Some examples of activities: playing an “exploding dots” game to learn alternate number bases; converting fractions to triple recipes for bear-friendly cookies; figuring out emergency substitution ratios for magical potions; solving bridge- or river-crossing logic puzzles; discussing area, volume, and surface area by looking at a rubix cube; playing “mystery function” games in which the class tries to guess the instructor’s secret equation by graphing inputs and outputs; and using least common multiples and greatest common denominators to defeat an army of angry, stampeding stuffed cattle.
Required textbook(s)
No textbooks are required for the class, but the instructor will likely use problems from Beast Academy, Edward Zaccaro, and old mathleague.org test books.
Day and time
Fridays at 10-11am CT
15 sessions starting September 4th and ending December 18th (no class Thanksgiving week)
Recommended age range
8-11
Cost
$150
Application assignment
Prealgebra
Description
This two-semester, honors-level course will cover properties of arithmetic, exponents, primes and divisors, fractions, equations and inequalities, decimals, ratios and proportions, unit conversions and rates, percents, square roots, basic geometry, statistics, and counting and probability.
Required textbook(s)
AoPS – Prealgebra (all participants must purchase their own copy)
Day and time
Tuesdays at 11am-noon CT
15 weeks starting September 1st and ending December 15th (no class Thanksgiving week)
Recommended age range
10-13
Cost
$150
Application assignment
Introduction to Algebra
Description
This two-semester, honors-level course will cover: order of operations, expressions and variables, linear equations, linear equations with two variables, linear equations with multiple variables, ratios and percents, direct and inverse proportion, graphing lines, inequalities, quadratic equations, special factorizations, introduction to complex numbers, and graphing quadratics.
Required textbook(s)
AoPS – Introduction to Algebra (all participants must purchase their own copy)
Day and time
Tuesdays at 2-3pm CT
15 weeks starting September 1st and ending December 15th (no class Thanksgiving week)
Recommended age range
11 to 15
Cost
$150
Application assignment
Discrete Math with Programming I
Description
This one-semester course will cover a variety of counting and probability topics including permutations, combinations, the Binomial Theorem, etc. In addition, lectures will incorporate programming examples using Python as a vehicle to exercise logical thinking skills (programming experience is a plus but not required). Optional assignments will be suggested for students interested in programming.
Required textbook(s)
AoPS – Introduction to Counting & Probability (all participants must purchase their own copy)
Day and time
Fridays at 8-9am CT
15 weeks starting September 4th and ending December 18th (no class Thanksgiving week)
Recommended age range
11-15 (students should have previously completed or be currently taking Algebra)
Cost
$150
Application assignment
Application Process
Students interested in our Academy classes should first complete the course-specific application assignment linked in the course descriptions above. These should be worked on independently without help from a parent. They can then submit the assignment along with other information using the application form below. Selected students will be contacted to schedule a meeting with the course instructor as the final step of their application.
Step 1
Complete course-specific application assignment linked above
Step 2
Submit application form using link below
Step 3
Attend meeting with course instructor
