SMaRT Camp

Summer Mathematics Research Training High School Camp

June 14 - 27, 2009

– 2010 information will be posted in January 2010 –

SMaRT is a new National Science Foundation supported two-week summer program at Texas A&M University. It is intended to facilitate interest in mathematics of advanced high school students. High school students of age 14-18, who are US citizens or permanent residents, are eligible to apply.

The camp will provide an intensive learning environment in mathematics, where high school students will learn not only useful mathematical facts, but also how to approach mathematical problems, prove mathematical statements, and write the results.

Eligibility
High school students of age 14 through 18 are eligible. US citizenship or permanent residency required.

Capacity
This first year of the program, 20 students will be admitted, as well as four counselors (undergraduate students). Each counselor will be assigned to a group of five students. It is planned to admit, starting the second year of the camp, a number of returning students.

Topics
The main topics to be considered will revolve around number theory, combinatorics, and algebra. Some important applications will also be addressed, e.g. coding and logical circuits. In the following years, a variety of advanced topics will be offered to the returning students.

Structure of the program
Each morning, except Sunday, lectures will be given under the general name "Algebraic challenges," which will introduce students to a variety of interrelated topics of number theory, algebra, combinatorics, and their applications. The lectures will only provide introductions and pointers, while most of technical work will be done by students, under counselors' guidance, when solving the daily sets of problems. A problem session and/or a guest lecture will be given in the afternoon (except weekends). Group meetings will be held in each student group in the evening. Guest lectures by the TAMU faculty will be of expository nature and will address a variety of topics from mathematics and its applications.

Fees
There are no fees. Due to the generous support of the National Science Foundation, the camp offers this year free room and board to accepted participants. Travel expenses are not covered. Some partial travel coverage might be available in the case of need. Students should bring some money for private expenses, laundry, etc.

Students from underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.