Welcome to the Math Circle
The Spring 2013 session starts on April 7th.
Los Angeles Math Circle (LAMC) is a top-tier math circle open to elementary, middle and high school students interested in mathematics and eager to learn. LAMC is a program of the Department of Mathematics at UCLA and is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Boeing Employees Community Fund, Raytheon, a gift from the Glickman family, and math circle families donations.
Following the traditions of Russian and Eastern European math circles, the program focuses on showcasing the beauty of mathematics and its applications, improving problem solving skills, preparing students for a variety of contests and competitions, creating a social context for mathematically inclined students as well as attracting students to math-related careers.
Types of meetings:
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problem-solving sessions (most of the meetings);
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expository talks on various topics;
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preparation for the American Mathematical Competitions (AMC8, AMC10, AMC12, AIME, USAMO);
The topics we cover are as varied as advanced plane geometry, elementary number theory, fractals, combinatorics, game theory for the older students, logic, counting techniques, basic combinatorics for the younger ones. The main goal is to learn wonderful mathematics not covered in a typical school curriculum but accessible to the mathematically inclined students. Another goal is to actively engage students in problem solving and to learn effective problem solving strategies. To get an idea of what we are doing, please look at the titles and descriptions of past meetings which are available on our "Circle calendar" for the current year and on our "Archive" page for previous years.
Math Circle Structure
In 2012-2013, Math Circle will have the following levels of participation:
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Early Elementary Circle (grades 2-3; room MS 3915H, 1 hr), led by Melinda Speckman;
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Junior Circle (grade 4; room MS 3915A), led by Dr. Oleg Gleizer;
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Beginners Circle (grade 5-6; room TBA), led by Jeff Hicks;
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Intermediate Circle (grades 6-7; room TBA), led by Jeff Lewis;
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Advanced Circle (grades 7-8; MS 6201), led by John Lensmire;
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High School Circle (grades 8-12; MS 6221), led by Mike Hall and Yingkun Li;
All Math Circle meetings take place on Sunday afternoons at UCLA.
Enrollment for Fall 2012
Please apply for Fall 2012 by going to "Apply to LAMC" on the left toolbar. Please submit your complete application before August 20th. We expect that the number of applicants will greatly exceed the number of spots we have in the math circle. Please be sure to answer all the questions in the application. While given some priority, previously enrolled students do not automatically get a spot in the math circle and need to go through the same application process.
Important Note: Math. Sci. Building Access
Starting in early April 2011, the Mathematical Science Building will be locked on Sundays. The glass doors on the 5th floor (entry from the breezeway with vending machines) should be unlocked during the times of the math circle. However, all other doors in the building will be locked. If you are accustomed to entering the building through other doors, please make sure that you know how to enter through the doors on the 5th floor. Please see our
Directions Page for more information.
Please refer to FAQs if you have questions about the proper placement (choice of group) and other questions related to math circle.
Please see our Directions page for details on how to get there.
