Applicants sought for Junior Summer Math Camp

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — Applications are currently being accepted for the fifth annual Southwest Texas State University Junior Summer Math Camp to be held June 5-16 at Hernandez Intermediate School in San Marcos.

The SWT Junior Summer Math Camp is a nationally recognized math program for students in grades three through seven. Students will be enrolled in one of four levels.

Level One, the Mathematical Mystery Tour, is for students in grades three or four. It introduces students to the basic ideas in algebra through the use of children’s drama and activities. Each new mathematical concept is accompanied by a dramatic situation where students encounter a conflict whose resolution requires the application of the mathematical idea being studied.

Level Two, MathQuest, is for students in grades four and five and introduces those students to functions, fractions, decimals and using a graphing calculator.

Level Three, Math Explorations, is for students in grades five and six. This level introduces algebraic concepts motivated by geometry.

Level Four, Combinatorics, introduces students to basic counting principles and discrete math, which are topics often overlooked in the standard high school curriculum.

All levels stress problem solving, creative thinking and individual and group work. Master teachers from all over Texas teach in the program, assisted by SWT undergraduate counselors.

The cost of the program is $225, which includes all supplies, a workbook, a camp T-shirt and a daily snack. Partial to full scholarships are available for all students based on need and circumstances. All students receive one-year subscriptions to Math Reader (for grades three through five) or Math Explorer (for grades six through eight).

Students must complete and application form and write a personal essay. Enrollment is limited. For application materials, contact Max Warshauer at (512) 245-3439.

Sponsors include the National Science Foundation, the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education, Southwestern Bell Communications, the Rockwell Fund, the RGK Foundation, National Instruments and the SWT Honors Math Camp Endowment.