Embark on an epic journey of mathematical discovery.

The school calendar and curriculum can give you a misleading impression that all of mathematics is already discovered, and that answers to problems will always come “before the bell rings.” Realistically, open-ended math problems do not punch a time clock. Open-ended problems are the heart and soul of mathematics—they are a cornerstone of the discipline. All students should experience an authentic, inside look at the time, toil, fun, frustration, motivation and dedication that make up the open-ended problem solving and math research experience. Math research is about a journey, not just a destination.

In the field of mathematics, more is unknown than is known, because every concept can be extended beyond what is on the printed page. Inquiring minds formulate questions and conjectures based on what they know, and it could take years, or even centuries, to find solutions and proofs. Some say that mathematics shouts questions but whispers answers.

In this program, you will learn higher level mathematics by reading math journal articles, testing their claims, formulating questions based on your readings, and researching answers to your questions. You will get to “play” with a mathematics topic of your choice and develop it.

In the words of Albert Einstein, “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”