The theme for this year's series of Math Circles is Inspiring Mathematics.
The mathematical activities will be curated from the new book "Inspiring Mathematics: Lessons from the Navajo Nation Math Circles" and from Rodi's experience last summer facilitating Math Circles in the Navajo Nation at the Baa Hózhó Summer Camp.
The Cookie Monster Problem
The Cookie Monster Problem Math Circle is Full! If you would like to be added to the waitlist please email Rodi at [email protected]
APPROXIMATE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS – 9-11
Six week series of one hour classes
Starting the week of September 21, 2020
Tuition for the series of 6 classes is $180. The discounted rate for Talking Stick Family Members is $150.
DESCRIPTION – “Students who have just learned to count can play with the Cookie Monster Problem, yet there is sufficient depth to engage graduate students,” says mathematician Gabriella Pinter in Inspiring Mathematics. Participants “experiment and practice unstructured problem solving, make up and test conjectures, and develop different strategies for the problem.” Students may create their own algorithms and also test other algorithms including the Greedy Monster Algorithm, the Binary Algorithm, and the Least Jars Algorithm.
MATERIALS NEEDED – Students should come to this online class with 15 jars/cups labeled with the numbers 1-15 and also 120 cardboard cookies or other counters.
Toilet Paper Math
APPROXIMATE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS – 7-9
Five week series of one hour classes
Starting the week of November 2, 2020. No class during Thanksgiving week.
Tuition for the series of 5 classes is $150. The discounted rate for Talking Stick Family Members is $125.
DESCRIPTION – “Toilet paper turns into a flexible number line,” according to mathematicians Dave Auckley and Phil Yasskin in Inspiring Mathematics. “In addition to the usual number line explorations, one is able to rip off pieces, fold, and rearrange.” Participants will explore equivalent differences, which can be explored and discovered “in the context of subtraction and differences in order to make it more natural in the context of division and fractions later.” Participants will also use TP to discover that numbers can get really big really fast (i.e. exponential growth).
MATERIALS NEEDED – 3 rolls of toilet paper, preferably single ply. Tape. Floor. Students should have an adult or older sibling nearby in case help is needed with setting up the activities.
REGISTER HERE for the Toilet Paper Math Circle
Modular Arithmetic
APPROXIMATE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS – 11-13
Six week series of 1.25 hour classes
Starting the week of January 11, 2021.
Tuition for the series of 6 classes is $225. The discounted rate for Talking Stick Family Members is $187.50.
DESCRIPTION – Students will use bean bag tossing to explore modular arithmetic. Writes mathematician Amanda Serenevy in Inspiring Mathematics, modular arithmetic “results from arranging numbers in circles instead of on a number line. Students make and prove conjectures about patterns relating to factors and remainders… students will gain a deeper understanding of factors, multiples, and the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic… Modular Arithmetic is an important topic in number theory and is also useful in computer programming.”
MATERIALS NEEDED – TBA (if this course meets virtually, students will need some materials, but if it meets in person materials will be provided)
REGISTER HERE for the Modular Arithmetic Math Circle
State Machines
APPROXIMATE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS – 13 and up
Seven week series of 1 ½ hour classes
Starting the week of March 1, 2021.
No classes the weeks of March 28 and April 4, 2021
Tuition for the series of 6 classes is $315. The discounted rate for Talking Stick Family Members is $262.50.
DESCRIPTION – A state machine is an abstract set of instructions that can describe the behavior of a common object or situation. When written correctly, a computer can be programmed to follow these instructions precisely. Students will engage in various activities to learn the basics, and then will present to each other state machines they create to describe the function of different electronic toys. Rodi was fortunate to be in the room when LaVerne Bitsie-Baldwin (Director, Multicultural Engineering Program, University of Kansas) facilitated this activity at the Baa Hózhó Summer Camp last year. Participants will engage in the skills of problem solving, reasoning, communication, making connections, logical thinking, and process modelling.
MATERIALS NEEDED – $25 per student materials fee
REGISTER HERE for the Slate Machines Math Circle
Recreational Mathematics
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO TALKING STICK MATH CIRCLE!
As this academic year is the 10-year anniversary of the founding of the Talking Stick Math Circle, we hope to have a special mathematical celebration in the spring if gatherings are allowed and are safe at that time: a one-day Celebration of Mind. If, on the other hand, we are still meeting virtually or in very small groups, we plan to run a Recreational Mathematics mini-course for a wide age spread.
In May our Math Circle will find inspiration in the work of Martin Gardner and the Gathering4Gardner event. The details of this celebration will be announced in 2021.
ABOUT ALL CLASSES:
- We will adapt the topics to best suit students' needs. Whether in-person or online, Math Circles are organic and are co-created moment by moment.
- Dates and times will be arranged with the enrolled students based on their availability
- Sessions will run on Zoom for the time being.
- Enrollment is limited to 6 students. Enrollment will be prioritized first for Talking Stick Learning Center Members and then for prior Math Circle participants.
Email [email protected] if you have questions or want more information.
