SWT invites applicants to sixth annual Junior Summer Math Camp

Date of release: 05/01/01

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — Southwest Texas State University invites applications for its sixth annual Junior Summer Math Camp to be held June 4-June 14 at Hernandez Elementary School in San Marcos.

The program will meet from 8 a.m.-noon each day, with a free breakfast and lunch before and after sessions. The SWT Junior Summer Math Camp is a nationally recognized math program for students in grades 3-7.

There are five levels. Level One, the Mathematical Mystery Tour, is for students in third and fourth grades. 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 application of the mathematical idea being studied.

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

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

The first three levels prepare students to study algebra, while introducing them to the excitement of doing math together. In Level Four, Combinatorics, students study basic counting principles and discrete math, which are topics often overlooked in the standard high school curriculum.

Level Five is about competition type math problems, particularly problems in geometry. All levels stress problem solving, creative thinking, individual and group work.

Master teachers from all over Texas teach in the program, assisted by SWT undergraduate counselors. Students learn new mathematical ideas while also having fun learning to act and work together in groups. All students receive one-year subscriptions to Math Reader (for grades 3-5) or Math Explorer (for grades 6-8), published by the Math Institute for Talented Youth.

Criteria: Student application form including personal essay must be received by May 26. Students are encouraged to apply early.

Contact:

  • Professor Max Warshauer
  • SWT Junior Summer Math Camp
  • Southwest Texas State University
  • San Marcos, TX 78666
  • Phone: (512) 245-3439
  • Fax: (512) 245-1469
  • e-mail: mw07@swt.edu