Math Problem Solving for Elementary Schools
If your child has intense curiosity about numbers, learns math concepts quickly, and demonstrates the ability to think abstract at a young age, it is likely that he/she is gifted in math and consequently, bored with his/her math class at school, shows signs of underachieving, and left his/her potentials untapped. We believe the solution is to guide your child explore the art of problem solving, which makes math fun, interesting and challenging.
Overview
Our introductory curriculum for this young group is designed to build a solid problem solving foundation, integrated with mental math, logical reasoning and communication skills training. The students will develop critical thinking abilities and lifelong learning skills so they are motivated and excited about learning math and problem solving while making the following goals effortlessly along the way:
- Qualify for the GATE program of your school district
- Accelerate in math class, generally in one to three grades
- Succeed in regional (UCI) and national (JHU/CTY) talent search programs
- Experience major math competitions (California Math League, MOEMS)
Avid Academy will offer the following elementary school math competitions during the 2006 - 2007 school year:
- MOEMS Division E - Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School Division E
- California Math League
- Orange County Math League
- Orange County Math Olympiad
All Avid students are eligible to participate if a contest is not available at their school.
F110 - Introductory Problem Solving
Introducing problem solving skills to the beginners. You will learn eight basic problem solving strategies, practice mental math for number operations, and experience several national elementary school math competitions. The focus is to build interest, appreciation, and basic skills acquisition in a fun and stimulating camp environment.
| Prerequisite: | Concurrently enrolled in 4th grade GATE program |
| Grades: | 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades GATE students |
| Total Time: | 30 Hours (10 meetings at 3.0 hour per meeting) |
| Next Course: | F120 - Intermediate Problem Solving |
| Availability: | 2007 Math Olympiad Summer Camp |
F120 - Intermediate Problem Solving
You will learn eight common problem solving strategies, practice mental math for fractions operations, and solve problems often found on MOEM Division E (Mathematics Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) and CAT 6 (grade 4 and 5) exams. The focus is on using multiple strategies in solving problems.
| Prerequisite: | F110 and Concurrently enrolled in 4th or 5th grade GATE program |
| Grades: | 4th or 5th grade GATE students |
| Total Time: | 45 Hours (30 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting) |
| Next Course: | F130 - Advanced Problem Solving |
| Availability: | Fall 2006 - Spring 2007 |
F130 - Advanced Problem Solving
You will learn twelve common problem solving strategies and become proficient in solving problems often found on California Math League, MOEM Division E and CAT 6 (grade 4 and 5) exams. You will also be exposed to selected middle school problem solving concepts and be ready for Honors Pre-Algebra. The focus is on the utilization of strong logic reasoning and critical thinking skills in solving difficult math problems.
| Prerequisite: | F120 and Concurrently enrolled in 5th or 6th grade GATE program |
| Grades: | 5th or 6th grade GATE students |
| Total Time: | 45 Hours (30 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting) |
| Next Course: | E110 - Honors Pre-Algebra Problem Solving |
| Availability: | Fall 2006 - Spring 2007 |
F330 - MOEMS Division E
This course is designed for students who missed the regular enrollment of Avid courses, but want to get started by preparing for the MOEMS Division E competition. After this course, the student will be placed into one of our regular programs.
The MOEMS Division E is a five-round, 25-minutes, 5-question contests designed by Mathematics Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools. It focuses on problem solving skills suitable for gifted elementary math students. Any student in grade 6 or below (age 12 or younger) is eligible to take MOEMS Division E.
We will review MOEMS related problem solving skills and work on problems draw from past MOEMS Division E contests one week before each round of MOEMS contest. The students in this class are eligible to take the MOEMS exam at Avid Academy if their school does not offer the exam.
| Prerequisite: | F110 - Introductory Problem Solving or Avid Academy Qualify Exam |
| Grades: | 4th - 6th Grade Honor students |
| Total Time: | 15 Hours (10 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting) |
| Next Course: | To be placed by Avid Academy coaching staff |
| Availability: | Customized coaching with private, semi-private, and quartet settings |