Honors Summer Math Camp Program
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Honors Summer Math Camp
June 20 - July 31, 2010
The Texas Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp is an intensive summer program for outstanding high school students who are excited about doing mathematics-- the goal of the program is to develop our talented youth by providing challenging courses in a unique learning environment.
Participants of the 2009 Honors Summer Math Camp
Eligibility
All of the forms are available on the Camp Applications page. These should be sent so that they are received by April 30, 2010. Students are encouraged to apply early since enrollment is limited. To be eligible, students should be entering grades 10-12*. We also accept applications from students outside the United States. Acceptance decisions will be made from February 1 through May 30. For further information, contact our office.
To Apply
- Complete and return the Student Application Form.
- Go Green! You may submit the Student Application online.
- Have your math teacher complete and return the Teacher Recommendation Form.
- Send in a copy of your high school transcript.
*Exceptions to grade level will be made depending on mathematical background and experience.
Research Projects
Returning students have the option of participating in original math research projects in a team that can be submitted to various contests. The Honors Summer Math Camp has a strong record of producing award-winning research projects.
From 2001-2008, students' team entries have achieved the following in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology:
- National Winner: 3 teams
- Regional Finalist: 10 teams
- Semifinalist: 16 teams
Student projects have also garnered awards in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Expenses and Financial Aid
The maximum cost to any student is $2,700. Students are eligible for scholarships based on income and other family circumstances.
The program provides room, board, books, supplies and a copy of Mathematica for each student to use during the school year. Students will need approximately $20 per week for laundry and miscellaneous expenses.
Sample Daily Schedule
7:00 - 8:10 AM Breakfast
8:15 - 9:45 AM Number Theory Class
9:50 - 10:50 AM Mathematica Computer Lab / Honors Seminar / Analysis I
10:55 - 12:00 PM Research Projects / Free Time
12:00 - 12:40 PM Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 PM Problem Sessions / Mathematica Computer Lab / Combinatorics
1:50 - 2:50 PM Honors Seminar / Problem Sessions / Analysis II
3:00 - 5:00 PM Recreation and Free Time
5:00 - 6:00 PM Dinner
6:00 - 10:00 PM Study Group
Activities and Camp Life
- Students live in a campus dormitory under the supervision of 15 counselors.
- All students have free use of the University's Student Recreation Center, which offers basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, an indoor track, and a swimming pool.
- There is a guest lecture each Friday afternoon by a speaker from academia or industry, followed by a picnic with volleyball games and socializing in the park.
- Weekend activities include (subject to change):
- Hiking Enchanted Rock
- Shopping at San Marcos' famed Outlet Malls
- Tubing down the San Marcos River
- Visiting Bamberger Ranch
- Watching a play at Austin's Zilker Park
Course Descriptions
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Elementary Number Theory provides a solid foundation for all students in mathematics. This course covers basic properties of integer arithmetic, including unique prime factorization, Euclid’s algorithm, Diophantine equations, modular arithmetic, congruences, induction, well-ordering, quadratic residues and quadratic reciprocity.
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Mathematica Computer Lab enables students to explore the application of ideas discussed in the Number Theory and Problem Solving courses. Students use the software Mathematica to model real world problems. Specific applications include coding theory, public key encryption, testing for primes, and the Chinese Remainder Theorem.
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Honors Seminar is designed to familiarize all students with the opportunities available at a university. Students keep a journal and have seminar type discussions about readings on ethical issues in science, career options, and their own individual goals for the future. Hands-on activities introduce students to concepts of teamwork, analytical thinking, and group dynamics.
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Combinatorics, Abstract Algebra, Analysis, and Topology provide returning students with a firm foundation in fundamental areas of mathematics, while building on ideas from the first year.
Items of Concern
1. Clothing: Warm weather clothing will be appropriate for most occasions. This includes casual and sports wear, such as shorts, swimsuits, cut-offs, and sneakers or hiking shoes for the weekend excursions. Some people also enjoy wearing a sweater in air-conditioned buildings. Finally, an umbrella or other rain gear may prove helpful in the event of rain. Note: Please bring non-marking tennis or basketball shoes for use in the University Student Recreation Center.
2. Laundry: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available in the dorm. Washers cost $1.00 per load and dryers $1.00 per load. Ironing boards are also available. Bring an iron if needed.
3. Rooms: We are staying in a dormitory on campus. Separate sides of the dorm are provided for male and female students. The dorm is air-conditioned, complete with a lounge suitable for relaxing and small-group discussions, a small recreation area, and study rooms on the first floor. Counselors and students will be provided with access cards and room keys. There is a $40 charge for a lost key. If Internet access is desired, students should bring their own Ethernet cords.
4. Telephone Service: Each dorm room is equipped with a telephone line. Students need to bring their own telephone to plug into the line if they want a phone in their room. We recommend that students bring a calling card (or cell phone). Emergency messages will be received at the Mathworks Office at (512) 245-3439, or the University Police Department (512) 245-2805.
5. Mail Service: Mail should not be addressed to the dorm. Mail should be addressed to:
[Participant's Name]
c/o Texas Mathworks
601 University Dr.
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666
6. Personal Items: Students will want to bring
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- bath soap
- laundry soap
- personal hygiene
- hangers
- beach towel
- alarm clock
- sunblock lotion
- pillow
- bed sheets (twin size)
- blanket
- towel
All personal items of value should be labeled with the student's name, address, and telephone number. Insurance and records (make, model, serial number) are a recommended precaution as the Texas Mathworks Math Camp is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings. Students might like to bring a guitar or other portable musical instrument, laptop, binoculars, camera, board games, playing cards, Frisbees, and tennis or racquetball gear. No skateboards, video games, or televisions are permitted.
8. Supervision: Fifteen to sixteen counselors will live in the dorm with the students. Counselors and faculty will be present at all of the program's activities.
9. Rules and Regulations: There will NO tobacco, alcohol, or drugs used by students while attending the Texas Mathworks Math Camp. Prompt class attendance and proper behavior will be expected from all students. Students will be allowed to leave campus only with written parental approval in advance, specifying date, time, and destination. Texas Mathworks Math Camp personnel will supervise all students. Students are expected to follow all campus rules and regulations and to respect university property and facilities. Parents will be billed for any damage caused by their children's negligence. Students not following rules or not participating in classes will be sent home immediately after parents/guardians are notified of their impending arrival.
10. Medical Treatment: An excellent Student Health Center is located near the library should medical treatment be necessary. Should your child require attention beyond the scope of the Student Health Center, the Central Texas Medical Center is a brief 5-10 minute ride from campus. Students are responsible for the cost of treatment provided by the Student Health Center. Parents must sign the Medical History Forms, which should either be returned with your acceptance letter or returned when you arrive. Note: The Texas Mathworks Math Camp does not provide any medical insurance.
11. Religious Services: There are several churches near campus. If you wish for your child to attend services, please let us know and we will make arrangements.
Testimonials
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“The Math Camp has given me a new perspective on learning math. Before now, I was content to believe that a theorem was true because my teacher said it was, but now I’ve caught the Proof Plague and I doubt I will be satisfied that something is a fact until I prove it. I have also gained a great deal of perseverance in solving problems.”
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“I think that the best part was the study groups…I loved arguing and explaining to my group members about the problems and proofs!”
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“I have learned to share my ideas more freely and without fear of being incorrect. This experience has also helped me to look at problems from a myriad of different angles. It’s a great feeling when you can prove a problem not only one way, but two or three ways!”
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“I worried about my mathematical background because I come from a regular public school in a small town down south. But soon I realized that it didn’t matter what you didn’t know, but what new things you accomplished.”
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“Because of this camp, I will never be able to look at any mathematical idea without analyzing the theorems and proofs behind it…I really enjoyed the challenge of the problems given to us. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to tackle problems until I fully understood the reasoning behind a concept”
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“I didn’t think that this camp would change my whole outlook on life, but it has…I won’t be able to just accept what is put in front of me.”
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“Not only have I learned about math, but I’ve grown as a person. I have learned how to persevere and not to back away from a challenge.”
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“At first I was timid and reluctant to give any input for fear of being wrong. But my peers and counselors showed me that error could be a good thing: it causes you to think about your mistake, attempt to correct it, and whether or not your answer is right is actually very trivial. It is the journey that is important. And as my confidence grew, I found myself changing from a listener to a contributor to a leader…. In the end, I feel that this camp has increased my self-confidence tremendously and has taught me to confront problems with determination and face challenges with eagerness.”
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“Here with the long proofs, I learned to be persistent and that answers often do not come easily. One often has to try many wrong paths before getting the right one. Those proofs are the most satisfying.”
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“I was really lost and indecisive about which field of career to pursue. But now I am inspired to pursue a field related to math, science, and engineering.”
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“This camp was like a whole new world for me. It was a path to self-discovery.”
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“The satisfaction of completing a proof is indescribable! I feel relieved and at the same time overwhelmed at the fact that my group and I have accomplished something.”
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“I have learned to approach questions in a creative manner, using ingenuity to discover ways to approach seemingly impossible enigmas…. We truly plunge into the depths of a problem and study it from all angles.”
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“I feel more confident. Now when I look at a problem, I don't think this problem looks too hard and give up. Instead, I look at the problem and consider what I already know, feeling confident that if I try, anything is possible.”
- “I cherish my time at Math Camp as the most exciting time of my life.... Even on the first day of camp, I felt a sense of home and family even in that midst of strangers. The following day we all felt as if we had all known each other for years.”