Mathematical Circle Diaries
Year 1
Problem Sets and supporting materials for the "Math Circle Diaries, Year 1" book.
"Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1: Complete Curriculum for Grades 5 to 8" is a book for parents and teachers who want to teach math that promotes critical thinking.
Early middle school is a great time for children to start their mathematical circle education. This time is a period of curiosity and openness to learning. The thinking habits and study skills acquired by children at this age stay with them for a lifetime. Mathematical circles, with their question-driven approach and emphasis on creative problem-solving, expose children to the type of mathematics that stimulates the development of logical thinking, creativity, analytical abilities, and mathematical reasoning. These skills, while scarcely touched upon at school, are in high demand in the modern world.
The book contains everything that is needed to run a successful mathematical circle for a full year. The materials, distributed among 29 weekly lessons, include detailed lectures and discussions, sets of problems with solutions, and contests and games. In addition, the book shares some of the know-how of running a mathematical circle. The material can be used by teachers and parents with various levels of expertise who are interested in teaching mathematics with an emphasis on critical thinking. Also, this book will be of interest to mathematically-motivated children. The book is a joint publication of AMS (American Mathematical Society) and MSRI (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute).
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Complete problem sets from “Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1”.
Use this resource to make your lessons easier to prepare and more fun to teach. Included is the entire collection of problem sets except for Olympiads and other competitions.
Session 1: How to Solve a Problem. Problem Set
Session 2: Knights and Liars. Problem Set
Session 3: How to Turn Lies into Truth. Problem Set
Session 4: Mathematical Auction. Auction Problems. Problem Set
Session 5: Word Problems and Common Sence. Problem Set
Session 6: More Word Problems. Problem Set
Session 7: Odd and Even Numbers I. Magic Paper Cups. Problem Set
Session 8: Odd and Even Numbers II. Definitions and Properties. Problem Set
Session 9: Halloween Math Hockey I. Hockey problems. Problem Set
Session 10: Odd and Even Numbers III. Alternations. Problem Set
Session 11: Weighings and Counterfeit Coins. Problem Set
Session 12: Mathematical Olympiad I. Problems
Session 13: Meet the Cube. First Lesson in 3D Geometry. Exercises. Problem Set
Session 14: Cross Sections. Second Lesson in 3D Geometry. Problem Set
Session 15: Mathematical Auction. Auction Problems. Problem Set
Session 16: Combinatorics I. Problem Set
Session 17: Combinatorics II. Problem Set
Session 18: Mathematical Hockey II. Hockey problems. Problem Set
Session 19: Numerical Puzzles I. Problem Set
Session 20: Numerical Puzzles II. Problem Set
Session 21: Mathematical Olympiad II. Problems
Session 22: Divisibility I. Definition and Properties. Problem Set
Session 23: Divisibility II. Prime Numbers and Prime Factorization. Problem Set
Session 24 Mathematical Auction. Auction problems. Problem Set
Session 25: Divisibility III. Divisibility Rules. Problem Set
Session 26: Divisibility IV. Relatively Prime Numbers. Problem Set
Session 27: Mathematical Games of Strategy I. Problem Set
Session 28: Mathematical Games of Strategy II. Problem Set
Session 29: Mathematical Olympiad III. Problems
First several chapters from “Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1.”
Do you want to check the book out? You can download several first chapters by following this link.
Mathematical games and competitions
There are several reasons why mathematical contests are so popular
• Mathematical contests are engaging and entertaining. Students really love them.
• Mathematical contests are educational. Students learn to present their solutions and analyze the solutions of their peers.
• Mathematical contests are a team activity – they build relationships between students.
In our Circles, we have a few favorite team competitions. This book includes Mathematical Auctions and Mathematical Hockeys. Our students also like to compete in oral Math Olympiads. Our favorite short games are Black Box and Jotto; you can read their rules here.
Errata table for “Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1.”
Click here to download the errata table for the book.