Fall 2013

Missoula Math Circle: Math Beyond the Classroom is an after-school activity for students in grades 8-12 which is organized by the mathematics faculty at the University of Montana. In the Missoula Math Circle interesting math topics that are not traditionally covered in the high school curriculum are explored. The program is designed to increase students' interest and excitement of mathematics through hands-on exploratory activities that acquaint students with fun and challenging mathematics. The program also aims to increase problem solving skills, critical thinking, communication skills and help students think creatively about mathematics. The Missoula Math Circle is part of the National Association of Math Circles and is sponsored by the Mathematics Association of America. Please visit these websites to learn more about the philosophy behind a math circle and how they can help to excite students about math.

The Missoula Math Circle had two sessions- fall and winter/spring.

Fall 2013 Flyer

In an effort to better serve all Montanans, the program will be presented live via an Internet video link (as well as face-to-face on the UM campus in Missoula) this year. Funding from the DMEG grant and the MAA will provide equipment and stipends for high school teachers to establish this program in their schools.  Participation of the teacher and his/her class can be face-to-face or remote. It is understood that the teacher will recruit students to participate and will be responsible for the organization of students. Additionally, teachers will receive the materials ahead of time and will be expected to assist the workshop organizer in answering students' questions as they arise. Successful teacher applicants will receive a stipend of $400 each semester they are involved in the program.

Previous Sessions

Spring 2013

This session was held Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 5:00 on the UM campus, room LA 103B. The spring 2013 dates were: February 28 and March 7, 14, 21, 28 (original start date was Feb. 21).  In spring 2013 we studyied number theory! Did you hear they just found the next largest known prime number? It has over 17 million digits. See the Spring 2013 flyer.

Fall 2012

This session was held Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 5:00. The fall 2012 dates were: October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, and 15.

Spring 2012

This session was held Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 5:30 pm on Jan 26, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 8, Mar 22, Mar 29, 2012 in LA103B, the Liberal Arts building (this building is also on the oval). During this session we studyied numbers (aka, number theory)! See our flyer for more details.

Fall 2011

Session 1 was held every other Thursday afternoon from 3:30 -5:30 pm beginning on October 6 and running through December 15, 2011 in room 119 of the Davidson Honors College, just east of the Math Building at the University of Montana, Missoula. The dates were: Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15.

Introduction to Graph Theory Handout (10-6-2011)