One of the key struggles of the upper elementary grades is mastering advanced computation, including long multiplication and long division.  Students know HOW these processes work, but many struggle to master them, which leads to incorrect answers in pre-algebra and algebra.  And, although most adults will bust out a calculator for long division problems, the SAT now contains a no-calculator section, so every high school student should be proficient in doing math by hand. 

This camp spends its mornings focusing on the details of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with whole numbers.  Students should be able to understand how all of these processes work and be able to deploy the correct algorithms to get accurate answers efficiently.  With some review and practice -- the focus on our mornings -- every student should leave this camp feeling ready to tackle middle and high school math. For students who master these processes, we'll get started with decimals and fractions.

But, of course, summer is not just for math.  This camp loves to apply math to physics, geometry, and engineering concepts to build structures and machines, from crossbows to periscopes.  Designs will be created based on scientific and mathematical models.  As they create, students will build their math skills and their understanding of how and why to use formulae as they apply concepts and ideas with their hands and basic materials. 

The class is designed so that the math work will be great practice for math skills: basic equations, proportions and conversions, word problems,  applied math, and geometry, while the "building" part is fun and real-world. How do we use light to our advantage? Who will build the best crossbow? And, who can use a formula to best predict the parabolic path if his or her crossbow's arrow? 

Engineering and science are fun, but they take thought and planning and math. With this course, all aspects will be fun -- and challenging -- and we hope all students will leave with a greater understanding of applied math and science, and a greater appreciation of the structures and machines in their world.