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 four different age ranges. All Math Circles will meet on Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. in Pasquerilla Center (the ROTC building) at Notre Dame from February 8th through May 3rd. We will not meet March 15th due to Notre Dame spring break or April 5th due to local school spring breaks.
Typical Ages: 4–5 years old
Named for Joan Birman (1927–)
Typical Ages: 1st – 2nd grade students
Named for Evariste Galois (1811–1832)
Typical Ages: 3rd – 5th grade students
Named for Sophie Germain (1776–1831)
Typical Ages: 6th – 12th grade students
Named for Andrew Wiles (1953–)
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