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Math Circles

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Math Circles is a free enrichment activity for grade 6 to 12 students organized by the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. For eight weeks each fall and winter, various mathematicians from the University of Waterloo lead students through mathematics topics outside the usual curriculum, through direct instruction and problem-solving activities.

Intended Audience

The materials are intended to be accessible to interested students from grades 6 to 12. There are four levels to choose from: Grade 6, Grades 7 & 8, Grades 9 & 10, Grades 11 & 12. Students can choose their Math Circles level based on their grade level and/or mathematical ability.

Mathematics and computer science are powerful tools, and diversity among mathematicians and computer scientists increases the potential for positive impact. The CEMC strives to be inclusive and welcoming to participants of all gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences.

Dates and Location

Math Circles runs both in person and online at the Grade 6 and 7/8 levels, and in person only at the Grade 9/10 and Grade 11/12 levels.

Math Circles groups meet once a week, with participants attending the same evening/afternoon session for the entire eight weeks. We request participants ensure their availability and dedication for the entire duration of the evening/afternoon sessions that they choose. This consistency will maximize the learning experience and foster a cohesive learning environment.

  • Grade 6 Math Circles will meet in person Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. The online section will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. EDT/EST.
  • Grade 7/8 Math Circles will meet in person Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. or Thursday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. ‐ 6:00 p.m. The online section will meet Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. EDT/EST.
  • Grade 9/10 and Grade 11/12 Math Circles will meet in person Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:30 p.m. There is no online offering for these levels at this time; however, materials will be posted weekly.

All attendees and presenters for in person Math Circles will be required to follow the University of Waterloo's latest health and safety guidelines, which can be found here.

Fall 2024 Math Circles Dates

Week 1: October 7/8/9/10
Week 2: October 15/16/17/21
Week 3: October 22/23/24/28
(No Math Circles October 29/30/31)
Week 4: November 4/5/6/7
Week 5: November 11/12/13/14
Week 6: November 18/19/20/21
Week 7: November 25/26/27/28
Week 8: December 2/3/4/5

Fall 2024 Room Assignments

Grade 6: Tuesday, room TBA
Grade 6: Wednesday, room TBA
Grade 7/8: Tuesday, room TBA
Grade 7/8: Wednesday, room TBA
Grade 7/8: Thursday, room TBA
Grade 9/10: Wednesday, room TBA
Grade 11/12: Wednesday, room TBA

All room assignments will be in buildings on the University of Waterloo's main campus.
View the campus map.

Online Math Circles will take place over Zoom. Links will be emailed to registered participants closer to the first date.

Structure of the Activity

Math Circles activities are devoted to solving problems and to learning techniques that can be useful for mathematics competitions like those the CEMC is involved in. In order to ensure an understanding of the material being presented, participants are strongly encouraged to work through and solve the problems presented at each session. While Math Circles is open to all interested students, we would expect that students attending are prepared to participate and work on the evening's tasks.

Registration

Registration for Fall 2024 Math Circles will take place online, beginning September 5, 2024. The registration link below will become active on this page at 12:00 noon on that date. You may need to refresh your browser at that time. There is no fee to register for the Math Circles program.

Registration for Grade 6 and Grade 7/8 Math Circles is first-come, first-served. Registration for Grade 9/10 and Grade 11/12 Math Circles will be first-come, first-served for most spots, and a lottery system from the waitlist will be used for the remaining spots, with preference given to students in schools with lower Math Circles enrolment. Those who do not secure a space in the Fall will be placed on a waitlist and will be given priority access to registration for the Winter session. Registration for Winter 2025 Math Circles will open in early January.

Math Circles Materials

Math Circles materials, including presentation outlines, practice problems, and solutions, will be posted weekly.

Bad Weather?

In the case of extreme weather conditions, please check here for an announcement regarding whether or not Math Circles has been cancelled for the evening.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact our Math Circles Organizer.