Central Kentucky Mathematics Circles

Central Kentucky Mathematics Circles

The Central Kentucky Mathematical Circles (CKMC) serves pre-college students in Central Kentucky by providing stimulating and engaging mathematical enrichment guided by Faculty Affiliates from throughout the Bluegrass region. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities and encouragement to become passionate and excited about mathematics. General information about math circles and their history can be found on the National Association of Math Circles website.

High School Math Circle:

The High School Math Circle welcomes all interested high school students. There are no admission requirements. Information for parents and students who are considering joining the Circle may be found at our introductory page, by contacting either of the CKMC Directors. Information for participants and the schedule is also available.

CKMC Directors:

• Benjamin Braun, University of Kentucky.
  benjamin.braun@uky.edu, 859 257 6810
• Russell Brown, University of Kentucky.
  russell.brown@uky.edu, 859 257 3951

CKMC Faculty Affiliates:

• Francis Chung, University of Kentucky
• Heide Gluesing-Luerssen, University of Kentucky
• Jerzy Jaromczyk
• David Jensen, University of Kentucky
• Joel Kilty, Centre College
• Peter Knapp, P.L. Dunbar High School
• Carl Lee, University of Kentucky
• Duk Lee, Asbury University
• David Leep, University of Kentucky
• Uwe Nagel, University of Kentucky
• Serge Ochanine, University of Kentucky
• Margaret Readdy, University of Kentucky
• David Royster, University of Kentucky
• Ryan Stuffelbeam, Transylvania University

CKMC Funding:

Our efforts are supported by the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky and a generous donation from a friend of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky.

We welcome donations in support of our activities. Please contact the directors for information on helping to support our Circles.

Information about the High School Math Circle

Mathematicians from central Kentucky colleges and universities have helped to organize the Central Kentucky High School Math Circle since the fall of 2009. A math circle is an enrichment program for high school students with an interest in mathematics. This program will allow students to explore mathematics beyond what is covered in the high school curriculum.

Please contact the directors if you are interested in participating in the High School Math Circle. The Circle will meet every other week on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mathematics circle?

A mathematics circle is a group of people who work together to explore new mathematics. Our mathematics circles will be focused on the interests of high school students and sessions will be led by faculty and students from local colleges and universities. Sessions are informal, fun, and consist of students and leaders working together on a series of problems. Examples of topics that we will consider are:

• Does a game have a winner? How can we find a winning strategy?
• Why are there only five regular polyhedra?
• How many ways can we make change for a dollar using US coins?
• How can we construct a regular pentagon with ruler and compass? What geometric figures can be constructed with ruler and compass? Are there more figures that can be constructed by origami (paper folding)?
• How can we transmit messages securely over the internet?

To learn more about Mathematics Circles visit the website of the National Association of Math Circles at www.mathcircles.org. Information about our circle will be at the web site of the Central Kentucky Math Circles, www.math.uky.edu/~circles/.

Who should join the Central Kentucky High School Math Circle?

We welcome students in 8th through 12th grades. Our sessions are accessible to students who have some familiarity with Algebra and Geometry. Students should have an interest in mathematics and willingness to learn new ideas. The sessions are informal and include problems to help develop the ideas needed to attack new topics.

How do I get started?

We will hold an organizational meeting for parents and students on Tuesday, 20 August 2019 from 7 to 8pm at the Math House, 654 Maxwelton Ct. near the campus of the University of Kentucky. If you are not able to attend this meeting, please contact one of the directors Russell Brown by email or telephone.

When and where will the Math Circle meet?

We will meet at the Math House, 654 Maxwelton Ct, on the campus of the University of Kentucky from 2 to 4 on Sundays. The schedule is available at Calendar.

Is there a map to help find the Math House?

Visit google maps for the location of the Math House and suggestions for parking.

What is the cost?

There is no fee to join the High School Math Circle. We ask participants to provide refreshments.

What are some things that we will do at our math circle?

• Work with fellow students.
• Look for interesting patterns, make conjectures (guesses), and try to determine when they are true.
• Learn how to make sense of an unfamiliar problem.

What are some things we will not do at our math circle?

• Lecture.
• Work on homework, study for high school classes, or work problems from the AP Calculus exam.
• We will not concentrate on preparing students for mathematics competitions.
• We will not make assignments that must be done outside of our meetings. We will give optional reading or problem sets for interested students.
• Use a calculator.

Are there other math circles in Kentucky?

• The Northern Kentucky Math Teachers Circle
• Murray State Teachers Circle

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please contact one of the the directors.

Meetings of the High School Mathematics Circle

• Registration form for High School Mathematics Circle docx | pdf
• A map and parking information may be found by following this link.
• For additional information, please contact Russell Brown, russell.brown@uky.edu, 859 257 3951 or Benjamin Braun, benjamin.braun@uky.edu 859 257 6810

We will hold an organizational meeting for new circle members on Tuesday, 20 August 2019, 7-8 pm in the Math House, 654 Maxwelton Ct, on the campus of the University of Kentucky. Students interested in joining the Math Circle for the fall should plan to attend this meeting. Students who are not able to attend, should contact the organizers.

Calendar for High School Math Circle

All meetings will take place at the Math House, 654 Maxwelton Ct, Lexington KY 40508. Students should bring a folder, paper, and pencil to each meeting.