The mathematics course at VAMPY has always been unique. Since students are at different levels within their studies, each student gets their own textbook to work through during the camp. Some students take geometry, while others take algebra 2 and even pre-calculus.There are at least two students in each subject, so they don’t have to look at the textbook alone, either. However, studying a textbook all day for three weeks is not how we want our campers to improve their math skills. Math is more than just these concepts found in the textbooks: it’s about problem solving, finding patterns, and looking at different mathematical questions these students have not seen. Because of this, we start our day with a few problems they get to work out individually, partnered, or grouped. These problems can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour a piece. After their brains are finally up and working in the morning, they go into their individual study within the textbook before lunch. They have practice problems to work through, and they each take chapter tests so we can see their level of knowledge and help mend misunderstandings.
After lunch, they get to close the textbooks and work through more explorations. So far, we have looked at a rollercoaster activity on Desmos, made mathematical origami, and worked through more whole group problems. This is their time to show their creativity, problem solving, communication, and pattern recognition skills. As well as the daily routine, there are several guest speakers that come to explore various topics with the students. So far, Dr. Natasha Gerstenslager Wilson, a former WKU professor that taught Sam (course teacher) and me, has helped them discover Pick’s Theorem. We also have two more speakers, Dr. Dominic Lanphier of WKU and Dr. Claus Ernest, WKU Distinguished Professor Emeritus, coming in the next couple weeks. The students are also excited to get the opportunity to go to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL this Thursday with other groups from the camp.
