Math circles provide a setting in which
mathematicians work with secondary school students who are interested
in mathematics. This form of outreach, which has existed for decades in
Russia, Bulgaria, and other countries, is now rapidly spreading across
the United States as well. The first part of this book offers helpful
advice on all aspects of math circle operations, culled from
conversations with over a dozen directors of successful math circles.
Topics include creative means for getting the word out to students,
sound principles for selecting effective speakers, guidelines for
securing financial support, and tips for designing an exciting math
circle session. The purpose of this discussion is to enable math circle
coordinators to establish a thriving group in which students can
experience the delight of mathematical investigation. The second part
of the book outlines ten independent math circle sessions, covering a
variety of topics and difficulty levels. Each chapter contains detailed
presentation notes along with a useful collection of problems and
solutions. This book will be an indispensable resource for any
individual involved with a math circle or anyone who would like to see
one begin in his or her community. Sam Vandervelde teaches at St.
Lawrence University. He launched the Stanford Math Circle and also
writes and coordinates the Mandelbrot Competition, a math contest for
high schools.
In the interest of fostering a greater awareness
and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other
disciplines and everyday life, MSRI and the AMS are publishing books in
the Mathematical Circles Library series as a service to young people,
their parents and teachers, and the mathematics profession.
Titles in this series are co-published with the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI).