Fall 2010 Courses in Irvine

Other Locations:
We hold Math Zoom classes at several locations in Southern California, including Irvine, Arcadia, and Walnut. The interest list is forming for other locations. If you are interested in taking classes in other locations, please submit the form and indicate your interest. It’s possible to schedule a class at a location not listed in the registration form if there is enough interest. You are welcome to gather your friends and request a new class in a location close to where you live. You do not need to pay anything until the class is scheduled. Please call us and discuss the possibility and timeline to start a class in a location near you.

Math Challenge II
In MC II, students learn and practice in areas such as algebra and geometry on the high school level, as well as advanced number theory and combinatorics. Topics include polynomials, inequalities, special algebraic techniques, trigonometry, triangles and polygons, collinearity and concurrency, vectors and coordinates, numbers and divisibility, modular arithmetic, residue classes, advanced counting strategies, binomial coefficients, pigeonhole principle, sequence and series, and various other topics and problem solving techniques involved in math contests such as the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10, 12 and ARML, and also the beginning AIME level.

Math Challenge III
This course is for experienced students who can solve at least a few problems in the AIME contest, and up to the USAMO level. In this course, the students learn more in-depth math concepts and problem-solving strategies that involves more rigorous mathematical writing and a broad range of topics. The topics includes everything covered in MC II with more depth, and additional topics such as quadratic residue, diophantine equations, recurrence, proving inequalitis, mathematical induction, functional equations, generating functions, inversion, projective geometry, and rigorous proof-writing practices. Through effective guidance and direction by our experienced teachers, students develop strong problem solving skills that make them perform well in AIME and USAMO.

Math Challenge I
Students learn the Math skills at a deeper level with topics in beginning algebra, fundamental geometry, basic number theory concepts and counting strategies, as well as logic and probabilities. The students not only learn practical skills of challenging problem solving that are supplemental to their school curricula, but also develop skills in creative thinking, logical reasoning, oral and written presentation, and team work. This course helps 6th to 8th graders (some advanced 5th graders may attend upon aproval) to participate in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 8, MathCounts and Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools MOEMS. Through effective guidance and direction by our experienced teachers, students develop strong problem solving skills that make them perform well in the MathCounts, AMC 8, and MOEMS Contests.

Young Math Olympians
This course is focused on nurturing the interests of young kids from 4th to 5th grades in challenging Math problem solving. With the effective guidance of our experienced teachers, kids explore the fun of solving interesting and meaningful Math related problems, and develop their logical and critical thinking skills. Some basic concepts covered in the Math Olympiads for Elementary School (MOEMS) are explored.

Pre YMO
This course is focused on nurturing the interests of young kids from 2nd to 3rd grades in mental math and Math problem solving. With the effective guidance of our experienced teachers, kids explore the patterns of numbers and the fun of solving interesting and meaningful Math related problems, and develop their logical and critical thinking skills. Some basic concepts covered in the Math Olympiads for Elementary School (MOEMS) are explored.

Language Arts – Creative Reading and Writing

This course is designed to encourage students to expand their reading, writing, speaking and artistic skills in order to create their own literary masterpieces.  Critical writing depends on critical reading. The abilities to express ideas cognitively and to construct valid and truthful arguments are as important to speaking well as to writing well. Honing the ability to express defensible reflections about literature will ensure comprehension and understanding. Furthermore, this course will also allow students to work in groups, so they can share their creativity, practice editing, teamwork, communication and leadership skills necessary for a successful future. 

Video Game Design – taught by Kiddie Techie staff

Kids love to play video games. Learning to create them is a great way to get kids engaged in learning valuable skills. Students learn a lot through any effort where they create something from scratch, whether it's writing, music, or a video game.  Teaching kids how to create a video game is a way to let them stretch their creativity and intelligence, while teaching them many advanced topics in computer science, math, physics, art, etc.  In short, all creative efforts require intuition, problem solving, and fun! We strive to inspire such creativity in all of their students!!

Fine Arts – Drawing – taught by Young Rembrandt

While exercising the left brain at Math Zoom, we don't want to forget the development of the right brain. This course teaches children how to draw using an engaging methodology that all children will succeed with. We learn about drawing and art while developing academic, conceptual, and critical thinking skills. And yes, we have fun too!