PAMS engages local middle school students through "Math Circle in the Triangle"

Student team assembling paper tubes as part of a math circle exercise

SAS Hall

September 21, 2011

By Star-Lena Quintana ‘13
PAMS Communications Intern

It is 10:00 a.m. on a clear and beautiful Saturday morning in September. SAS Hall stands glistening in the sun, firm in its foundation, and holds 25 students, aged 10-13, ready to engage in mathematics.

The Math Circle in the Triangle is a casual gathering of middle school students fascinated by math and excited about the opportunity to experience different material than that which is usually taught in their classroom. The informal environment allows for students who are interested in math to learn “cool stuff,” as phrased by Dr. Molly Fenn, one of the six NC State mathematics faculty members who, along with a few graduate students, help coordinate the program. Fenn and her colleagues pull their lesson plans from their own classroom experience as well as the multiple resources for math circles available on the Internet.

Since every student is not on the same level at this age, the math circle provides an interactive environment that stimulates the students’ minds and presents perspectives on various mathematical topics in a way that differs from the teaching style presented in the typical classroom. Often, hands on “experiments” are conducted with an assortment of tools that include construction paper and tape measures.  In every session, students are able to interact with their peers by working in groups to discover mathematical truths about our world.

The mathematicians who lead the circles try to provide exercises that would not be found in a typical middle school math curriculum and are likely to encourage students to solve problems and to be enthusiastic about further investigating mathematics.

Fenn says, “One of the goals for the math circle is to save the students from being bored in the classroom.  We want them to stay engaged and keep enjoying math.”

Parents have responded very well to the math circle. Many parents of the participating students took the initiative to search for enrichment opportunities for their children and have been successful by finding the Math Circle in the Triangle, which has only been available since January 2010. The parents appreciate the cost-free opportunity that is available for their children to experience hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Their children are able to meet other students who take an interest in math and to come together to share their excitement for learning.

For more information on the Math Circle in the Triangle, visit http://www.math.ncsu.edu/MathCircles.