S.M.A.R.T. Circle Overview

Description

This book provides an overview of how to run a Mathematical “Circle,” i.e., an organization that discovers and nurtures young mathematical talents through meaningful extra-curricular activities. This is the first volume in a trilogy describing in particular the S.M.A.R.T. Circle project, which was founded in Edmonton, Canada in 1981. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Saturday Mathematical Activities, Recreations & Tutorials. This book, Volume I, offers a sampling of many aspects, including projects and mini-courses. Volume II, which consists of student projects, addresses the purpose of the Circle, and Volume III, consisting of mini-courses, explains what actually takes place in the Circle. All three volumes provide a wealth of resources (mathematical problems, quizzes and games, together with their solutions). The books will be of interest to self-motivated students who want to conduct independent research, teachers who work with these students, and teachers who are currently running or planning to run Mathematical Circles of their own. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiv Front Matter ....Pages 1-2 Three Sample Projects: Counting Problems (Andy Liu)....Pages 3-26 A Sample Minicourse: Tessellations (Andy Liu)....Pages 27-60 Front Matter ....Pages 61-64 Past Papers of the Edmonton: Junior High Mathematics Invitational (Andy Liu)....Pages 65-114 International Mathematics Tournament of the Towns: Selected Problems (Andy Liu)....Pages 115-200 Front Matter ....Pages 201-210 “From Earth to Moon” Sample Contest I (Andy Liu)....Pages 211-258 Past Papers of the Peking University Mathematics Invitational for Youths (Andy Liu)....Pages 259-296 Front Matter ....Pages 297-300 Sample SNAP Math Fair Projects (Andy Liu)....Pages 301-332 Sample GAME Math Unfair Games (Andy Liu)....Pages 333-364