About the Course
Can five 20-by-18-foot carpets lying flat with no overlap fit in a 40-by-50-foot room? Can you measure 2 liters of water correctly using only a 4-liter pitcher and a 3-liter pitcher? How many different ways can you add four even, positive numbers to get a sum of 16? Problem-solving in mathematics involves finding a path to a solution, even when there is no clear place to start. In this course, you'll learn to solve problems using a wide range of approaches like drawing diagrams, making lists, eliminating unreasonable possibilities, identifying patterns, guessing and checking, and manipulating variables. Working individually and in small groups, you'll learn how to ask questions, choose strategies, and explain your thought processes along the way. You and your classmates will watch demonstrations, do hands-on activities, and play games while becoming critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, strengthening your reasoning skills and preparing for future study in discrete math, probability, and other fields of mathematics.
Typical Class Size: 12
Learning Objectives
- Explore various strategies for solving mathematical problems, including but not limited to making a list, guess and check, simulations, experiments, diagrams, patterns, and algebraic expressions
- Apply different methods of problem solving to investigate, solve, and justify solutions for simulated and real-world math problems
- Create and share graphs, tables, diagrams, models, and other visual tools to solve problems and justify solutions
- Investigate creative strategies for solving complex problems, including a final project that involves creative applications of the problem-solving strategies learned in class
- Share ideas and solutions to problems, both written and orally, both independently and collaboratively in groups
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 1 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Avoid Hard Work!: ...And Other Encouraging Problem-Solving Tips for the Young, the Very Young, and the Young at Heart (Natural Math), by Maria Droujkova, James Tanton, and Yelena McManaman
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Avoid Hard Work!: ...And Other Encouraging Problem-Solving Tips for the Young, the Very Young, and the Young at Heart (Natural Math), by Maria Droujkova, James Tanton, and Yelena McManaman
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid