Math Invades Chatham: Week 5

Welcome back to our summer camp blog! This week, we are taking an inside look at two of our most popular STEM programs. Whether your child wants to train like an elite mind athlete or learn how to navigate the global economy, we have a classroom built just for them.

Here is what our campers are exploring this week in Math Competition and Math of Money!

🏆 Math Competition: Training the Ultimate Brain Athletes

This class was created to stimulate excitement for problem-solving. It is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and deeply rewarding. Instead of memorizing formulas, students learn how to think outside the box to conquer complex puzzles.

What Our Mathletes Do

• Learn Proven Strategies: Students train for competition in the Math Olympiads by exploring the twelve problem-solving strategies recommended by Dr. George Lenchner, creator of the Math Olympiads.
• Tackle Real Contests: Campers pump their math muscle by taking real math contests from prior years.
• Play Math Jeopardy: Students face off in friendly, high-energy games of Math Jeopardy to test their quick-thinking skills.

Key Skills We Highlight

• Core Math Concepts: We dive deep into topics like number patterns, factors, and multiples.
• Spatial & Fractional Logic: Campers sharpen their minds using fractions, simple geometry, and measurement.
• Resilience: Students learn to view tough puzzles as fun challenges rather than roadblocks.

💰 Math of Money: Real-World Decisions and Global Commerce

Math isn’t just for tests—it is the foundation of everyday life. In our Math of Money class, students take part in several scenarios where they apply their math skills to make the best decisions.

What Our Economists Do

• Manage Great Wealth: In one scenario, campers inherit a large sum of money and explore the complex topics of spending, saving, investing, and taxes.
• Travel the World: In another scenario, students plan a simulated shopping trip in a foreign country where they must convert currency, decide the best payment method, and bargain with local vendors.
• Create the Challenges: Ultimately, students will research their own scenario and create money-related dilemmas for their fellow students to resolve.

Key Skills We Highlight

• Financial Literacy: Along the way, they learn about how banks and credit cards work.
• Business Math: Students discover the secrets behind how stores make money.
• Smart Consumerism: Campers master how individuals can save money and maximize value.