| Transcript
for the Math
Jam "MathZoom Summer Camp"
on Feb 13. |
| Math Jam hosted by DrKevin
(Dr. Kevin Wang ). |
DrKevin20:27:30
Hello, my name is Kevin Wang, and welcome to the MathZoom Math Jam!
DrKevin20:28:38
Before we get started I would like to take a moment to explain the Virtual Classroom to those who have not previously participated in a Math Jam or one of the online classes.
DrKevin20:28:49
First of all, this classroom is moderated. This means that the messages you type will come to the instructors rather than going directly into the room. The instructors will choose some of the messages and questions to share with all of the students.
DrKevin20:29:37
Next, only the instructors have the ability to send private messages in the classroom. Sometimes they will use these to respond privately to your comments.
DrKevin20:30:54
Mr. Sato is supposed to introduce me :)
nsato20:31:30
Welcome to tonight's MathZoom Math Jam!
nsato20:32:20
With us is Kevin Wang, the Program Director of the MathZoom Summer Camp, who will discuss MathZoom and take questions.
DrKevin20:34:14
Thanks. Let me start with intro of the summer program
DrKevin20:34:56
Let me answer the question later.
DrKevin20:35:12
The MathZoom Summer Camp this year will be held at University of California, Los Angeles.
DrKevin20:35:24
It is a three-week residential camp. It starts on July 13, and ends on August 2.
DrKevin20:35:43
The Camp offers an opportunity for bright and mathematically gifted students to expand their mathematical horizon, improve problem solving skills, and explore areas in advanced mathematics.
DrKevin20:35:54
The Academic Curriculum is geared towards preparing students for mathematical contests such as AMC 8/10/12, MATHCOUNTS, ARML, AIME, USAMO, and IMO.
DrKevin20:36:01
Students gain greater interest in Math, better skills in problem solving, and more confidence in facing academic challenges.
DrKevin20:36:34
With an outstanding performance in one or more of these contests, students will gain considerable recognitions in their college applications.
DrKevin20:36:46
Communication and Leadership Development: The setup of the programs encourages student participation, helps improve communication and leadership skills.
DrKevin20:37:00
Confidence sparkles when students talk about the things they are really interested, with the peers who have the same interest.
DrKevin20:37:08
With the guidance of the experienced coaches, students learn how to effectively articulate their thinking processes.
DrKevin20:37:58
We train the students to become not only smarter problem solvers,but also better leaders and communicators in the field they are good at.
DrKevin20:38:09
The Evening Seminars focus on introduction to advanced mathematics topics, preview of Math related college majors and professional careers.
kingsword
who are the teachers?
DrKevin20:39:11
I will be the head coach for this Camp. Dr. Harold Reiter from Univ of North Carolina taught at our camp last year; we invited him to come again. Now we are waiting for his confirmation. Dr. Reiter is the former chair/member of many math competition committees, including AHSME, AIME, USAMO, MATHCOUNTS; also former cair of SAT II Test Development Committee with ETS; he's AMC state director for North Carolina since 1979.
DrKevin20:39:28
We also invited other people who have extensive experiences in math competitions and math coaching as the Camp faculty. Prof. Olga Radco from UCLA (head of the UCLA Math Circle), and Dr. Paul Dreyer (ARML Coordinator of the Western region), agreed to teach at the Camp. We are in the process of inviting other highly experienced instructors.
Jake's Sister
What are the ages for the residential camp?
DrKevin20:39:45
We encourage 6-11 graders (12-17 years of age) to apply.
DrKevin20:39:54
Exceptions can be made for younger students if they show sufficient maturity both mathematically and socially.
DrKevin20:40:22
Now to answer the question on admission test
DrKevin20:41:34
The admission test serves mainly as an assessment for your experiences. With your solutions, we can have a better idea about where you stand, so we can give better assistance for your improvement.
DrKevin20:41:42
You don't have to take the test if you: (1) qualified for AIME;
DrKevin20:41:50
(2) received 20+ points in AMC 8; (3) entered Mathcounts State level as individual or member of a team;
DrKevin20:41:55
(4) are top performer in ARML.
DrKevin20:42:02
You can send in your accomplishment in other math contests for assessment.
DrKevin20:42:10
Otherwise, you are required to take the test.
DrKevin20:42:38
Of course, if you belong to the above categories for which the admission test is waived, you are still encouraged to submit it.
DrKevin20:42:58
There will be some easy questions on the test, and also some pretty challenging ones
Cyrazeno
On average, how many people apply?
DrKevin20:43:44
About the number of people: last summer in San Diego, we had around 30 students
DrKevin20:44:20
this year I expect much more
DrKevin20:45:36
Because we invite student from all over the US and Canada to attend; and it is also an advantage for people in the LA area, because they don't have to travel
Cyrazeno
Will Dr. Zuming Feng be there?
DrKevin20:47:03
I invited Zuming. It will be up to his schedule.
DrKevin20:47:21
last year he was very busy with IMO and the Girl'
DrKevin20:47:42
the Girl's Olympiad, but he still found time to come to teach for a few days
DrKevin20:48:30
this year I hope he can still make time for us, but it may be in conflict with the IMO
DrKevin20:49:29
I'll confirm with him.
RollandWu
What level are we expected to reach after the camp, say, AMC10/12, or AIME?
DrKevin20:50:47
For advanced students, we will train on the AIME and Olympiad level.
DrKevin20:51:39
for entry level, we will aim to bring them some experiences in the math competitions
DrKevin20:52:33
depending on the age and experience of the students, we prepare them for different levels
mathkid101
My 10 year old has strong math skills currently taking Pre-Algebra. Would he have a strong enough background to benefit from the camp
DrKevin20:53:53
That's a good question.
DrKevin20:54:23
Our entry level program includes introduction to techniques without using algebra
DrKevin20:55:27
without kowledges of geometry, combinatorics, or number theory in general
DrKevin20:56:31
However, it will be up to the parents to judge if the kids is ready for intensive programs like this
DrKevin20:56:59
Last summer camp we had a 5th grader, who did pretty well
DrKevin20:57:39
but he came with his borther, who was a 9th grader
Ustadju
What do you recommand for 5th and 7th graders?
DrKevin20:59:35
7th grader can do well in our program. For the 5th grader, it is up to the parents Let them try the easier problems on the admission test. See they find it interesting.
DrKevin21:00:46
Anyway, the main requirement for the camp is the student's interest and enthusiasm in math
DrKevin21:01:21
if they are willing to learn and find it enjoyable, then I can make sure they have fun and benefit from the camp
RollandWu
What are the major differences between this camp and the AwesomeMath?
DrKevin21:02:32
The curriculum is structured differently than AwesomeMath
DrKevin21:02:59
For advanced students, there's basically not much of a difference
DrKevin21:03:42
we learn and exericise on the advanced level of problem solving, up to the Olympiad level
DrKevin21:04:52
For the entry level and medium levels, we focus on the breadth of topics
DrKevin21:05:59
Our curriculum will cover the 4 major topics: Algebra, Number Theory, Combinatorics, and Geometry for all groups
Ustadji
Will you be using art of problem solving books as a reference?
DrKevin21:07:41
Actually, we use the art of problem solving books for our Year-round classes. For the summer camp, we will use materials we developed
daman71692_2
What level math should we be taking?
DrKevin21:08:57
The age level is 12-17, or 6th-11th graders
daman71692_2
Is it separated by age group?
DrKevin21:09:52
we separate the kids into advanced groups and entry level group, by age and experiences
mathkid101
Do you have fun activities planned for the kids? What is the plan for kids who stay over the weekends?
DrKevin21:10:39
There will be fun activities for the kids. We'll have access to the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, that is within a short walking distance on the campus.
DrKevin21:10:44
There are pools and tennis courts are available on a first come first served basis.
DrKevin21:11:03
The camp will be staffed with experienced camp counsellors to help the students and facilitate the recreational activities.
DrKevin21:12:13
For weekend stay, we have staff to accompany them and we will likely have field trips to local attractions
daman71692_2
what level would someone who is taking Math BH in NY considered to be on
DrKevin21:13:17
I am not sure about what's in Math BH in NY. I can look it up later, but the student can send in the description and their accomplishments along with the application.
DrKevin21:13:41
If they take the admission test, we will have a good idea of what level they are at
Ustadji
Which state is this camp located in?
DrKevin21:13:57
This camp will be in California
DrKevin21:14:11
On UCLA campus
kingsword
What are the living arrangements?
DrKevin21:14:52
Housing and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided by the UCLA Conference Services.
DrKevin21:14:59
We'll be staying in the hotel style dorms.
DrKevin21:15:04
The classrooms are in the same building as the residential rooms.
DrKevin21:15:22
Check-in starts at 4pm on July 13, 2008; the first meal is dinner on July 13. The last meal is lunch on August 2.
DrKevin21:15:32
For the students who go home during the weekends, Friday dinner through Sunday lunch will not be provided by the Conference Services.
DrKevin21:15:52
For Day Campers, weekday lunches are provided.
kingsword
Is Internet access available?
DrKevin21:16:57
There are Ethernet ports in the room for you to connect your own computers that have Ethernet cards.
DrKevin21:17:02
However, it's not necessary to bring your own computer for the program.
DrKevin21:17:07
There is a computer lab which is conveniently located in the residential building for you to check your emails.
DrKevin21:17:12
Each sleeping room is equiped with a telephone that allows complimentary access to UCLA campus extensions.
DrKevin21:17:18
To make local and long distance calls, you can purchase a prepaid phone card at the front desk.
mathkid101
For students flying into LA will transportation be provided?
DrKevin21:18:04
Yes, we will have staff to pick up and send off the sutdents on their days of arrival and departure
kingsword
What is the daily schedule?
DrKevin21:20:23
here is the schedule
DrKevin21:21:30
7:30-8:30am breakfast
DrKevin21:22:14
9:00-10:30am lectures; 10:45-12:15 problem session
DrKevin21:22:21
12:15-1:15 lunch
DrKevin21:22:45
1:15-2:45 lectures; 3:00-4:30 problem session
DrKevin21:22:55
4:30-5:30 Sports and recreation
DrKevin21:23:02
5:30-7:00 dinner
DrKevin21:23:20
7:00-8:30 evening seminars and group recreation
DrKevin21:23:37
8:30-9:30 supervised self-study
DrKevin21:23:45
10:00pm lights out
mathkid101
My son wants to know if there will be homework.
DrKevin21:24:38
There will be homework, but should be able to complete during self-study
DrKevin21:25:11
There are also weekly problem sets--that's also homework,
DrKevin21:25:35
assigned at beginning of the week and discussed at the end of week
Cyrazeno
How many?
DrKevin21:26:29
Around 10-20 questions
DrKevin21:27:28
In the classes we will have team based competitions, which were one of the most enjoyable part of the program last year
DrKevin21:35:53
Thank you all for coming!
DrKevin21:36:12
I hope to see you in the summer!
DrKevin21:37:31
Please visit http://www.mathzoom.org for the latest information about MathZoom Summer camp 2008
DrKevin21:38:10
or visit the MathZoom forum at Art of Problem Solving website
DrKevin21:38:38
Thanks again! Good bye
