Math Circles are for students with long attention spans who enjoy engaging in mathematical conversation. Students will learn to collaborate with others while developing and defending their mathematical ideas. Our pedagogy is based on the approach used in the Global Math Circle.
Math Circles are programs for students who love math and want a challenge. Students should have long attention spans and should be eager to have a discussion about mathematical ideas with like-minded peers.
Faculty and students from Notre Dame partner with Riverbend Community Math Center to offer Math Circles for five different age ranges, plus an online research group for middle and high school students. All Math Circles will start in February.
Typical Ages: 4--5 years old
Time: Tentatively Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Named for Joan Birman (1927–)
Typical Ages: 1st -- 2nd grade students
Time: Tentatively Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Named for Evariste Galois (1811–1832)
Typical Ages: 3rd -- 5th grade students
Time: Tentatively Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Named for Sophie Germain (1776–1831)
Typical Ages: 6th -- 8th grade students
Time: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Notre Dame Math Department Lounge, which is the room next to 255 in the Hurley building. In-person sessions will resume February 9th.
Named for Andrew Wiles (1953–)
Typical Ages: high school students
Time: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Notre Dame Math Department Lounge, which is the room next to 255 in the Hurley building. In-person sessions will resume February 9th.
Named for Leonhard Euler (1707–1783)
The research group always meets online, and is designed for older students who want to take a deep dive into a single topic, learn the LaTeX language in which most math papers and books are published, and improve their mathematical writing skills. Exceptional amounts of focus, determination, and patience are required, and we assume that participants are familiar with the content of Algebra 1. If you are interesting in joining, contact Amanda Serenevy directly at amanda@riverbendmath.org
Typical Ages: middle and high school students
Time: Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m.