Problem Sets – MathCircles.org

Hungry for Change: Food Deserts in CT

By:

Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

In this lesson, we are tasked with determining a location for a new supermarket to address a possible “food desert” problem in Glastonbury. You will use these diagram to guide your analysis along with tools in Desmos and Geogebra. To qualify as “low access” in urban areas, at least 500...

Mural Mathematics

By:

Topic(s):

Geometry, Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Photos & Videos

Students will explore existing equity themed murals to identify themes, and the mathematics necessary to plan/create a city mural. Students will utilize Google maps tools to begin connecting Mathematical representations to precisely interpret circle properties and apply them to the mural design.

Racial Profiling

By:

Scott Kapralos

Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

To investigate situations in the real world, we sometimes create a mathematical model. A mathematical model is a simplified version of the real world that allows us to understand the real world a little better. Over time we can change this model so that it gets closer and closer to...

Modeling a Pandemic

By:

Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

How can mathematics help us understand the phenomenon of a pandemic? What factors impact the spread of a disease like Covid-19? Which of these factors can we influence? (society, in schools) How can mathematics help us act during a pandemic toward better outcomes?

Cup Stacking

By:

Topic(s):

Mathematical Games, Problem Solving / General

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Photos & Videos, References

Begin with a row of cups and end with all of the cups in a single stack. Rules: 1. Count the number of cups in a stack. That stack must jump that number of spaces. For example, 1 cup can only move 1 space; 2 cups have to move 2...

Making Connections Between Forms of Quadratic Equations

By:

Mary Beth Richey

Topic(s):

Geometry

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Virtual Tools

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, the goal of this module is to help students in Algebra II become fluent in the various forms of a parabola equation based on the information that they are given. Students sometimes fail to understand that there are multiple ways...

Percents

By:

Alexandra Edwards, Dyan Palmer

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this module has students grapple with different representations of percents in various contexts in order to solve real life problems. Students need fluency in percentages for real world applications such as shopping, eating at restaurants, commission based careers, etc. Understanding...

Solving Linear Equations: An M&M Mystery

By:

Caitlin Colburn, Mary Losito

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Photos & Videos

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this session is aimed at grades 7 or 8, but may be useful for high school algebra. It consists of worksheets and series of videos meant to get students to develop an understanding of solving linear equations, using the real...

Rational Numbers

By:

Elizabeth Livorsi, Maureen Aguglia, Sara MacKenzie

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic, Number Theory

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this module is an introductory activity for rational numbers, likely aligned with Grade 7. Students will be given five points on a number line and will be asked to estimate the values of each in a 3-part task and explain...

System of Inequalities: Math Dance

By:

Alicia Pakusch, Rachel Pellegrino

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic, Geometry

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Lesson Plan

You want this year’s dance to be LIT! The dance committee has a goal of fundraising $3,500 through ticket sales. How many tickets do they need to sell? Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this module presents an engaging problem which will allow students to investigate...

Session Style: Problem Sets