SMaRT Camp

Summer Mathematics Research Training
High School Camp

June 10 (arrival) - 23 (departure), 2012

SMaRT is a 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 is required.

Capacity
The camp is small. In 2009, it had 20 students. In 2010 and 2011, 20 new and 8 returning students were admitted. The similar enrollment is expected for 2012. Some of the returing students will be admitted as junior counselors. Undergraduate counselors will be assigned to each group of five students.

Topics
The main topics to be considered for the new class will revolve, as in the previous year, around number theory, combinatorics, and algebra. Some important applications will also be addressed, e.g. coding and logical circuits. A more advanced topic, "Combinatorial geometry," will be offered to the returning students.

Structure of the program
Each morning, except Sunday, a lecture will be given for the new class, which will introduce students to a variety of interrelated topics of number theory, algebra, combinatorics, and their applications. At a later time, a lecture will be given for the class of returning students. 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 will address students' questions and provide additional pointers when needed. Group meetings, guided by counselors and junior counselors will be held in each student group during the day and in the evening. Guest lectures by the TAMU faculty will be given on some afternoons. These lectures 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 extreme need, but availability of such funds is not guaranteed). Students should bring some money for private expenses, laundry, etc.

Students from underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.