Problem Solving for the Wannabe Genius I
Prerequisite: Algebra I (Honors level, or equivalent).
This is the course that will give underclassmen (entering grades 9 and 10) every possible mathematical advantage. If you like math and want to be really good at it, one of Brunswick’s most talented teachers will show you the way. By learning the many tricks of the trade and how to think your way through a complex mathematical puzzle, you will progress from the standard problems to the advanced ones and reveal your true math potential.
Instructor: Mat Serieys
Mat Serieys is a seven-year veteran of Brunswick School with experience teaching at many levels. He holds a B.Ed. from St. Francis Xavier in secondary Math and Science and an M.S. from Fairfield University in Mathematics. Students who have had him can attest to his contagious enthusiasm for math and his gift for teaching it to students in ways that make it real and enjoyable.
Problem Solving for the Wannabe Genius II
Prerequisite: Algebra II (Honors level, or equivalent).
This course is designed to train the mind in the ways of mathematical problem solving usually seen only in the truly gifted. Your mathematical skill set will be enhanced greatly with the masterful teaching of one of Brunswick’s finest instructors. As you prepare to enter grades 11 or 12 (or even your first year of college), this course will teach you approaches to tackling problems that will put you at the head of the class or even on the Math Team. There are only twelve seats available in this class, but they won’t last for long; that’s one math problem anyone can figure out!
Instructor: Michael Allwood
Michael Allwood is the Chair of Brunswick’s Mathematics Department and a ten-year veteran of the School. He holds both a BA and an MA in Mathematics from Oxford University, and a second MA from The London University Institute of Education. He has achieved national prominence by educating educators on the art of teaching to high school students. Mr. Allwood is also a coach of the Connecticut Math Team and serves as an AP Grader and Table Leader for ETS. Who should teach you math at least one time in your life? Michael Allwood. Problem solved!
Fabulous Fractals
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II
What do broccoli, a Jackson Pollack drip painting, and a river distribution system all have in common? They all display the characteristics of fractals! Fractals are shapes that possess self-similarity: little copies of the whole structure are found within the object itself. In this course, we will explore the iterative processes needed to create fractals such as the Sierpinski Triangle and the Koch Snowflake. While we will focus on the mathematical aspects of fractals, we will also familiarize ourselves with the beauty and simplicity of these seemingly random patterns which can be found in nature, architecture, biological and physical sciences, music, art, and literature. Students will have the opportunity to present a project to the class, which relates to a field in which they are interested. Possible project topics include a musical composition, photographic essay, poem, paper folding, or fractals in the human body. Virtually any subject that exhibits some degree of self-similarity is appropriate!
Instructor: Grace Warne
Grace Warne holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters of Science in Teaching from the University of New Hampshire. She has been teaching for over 20 years and is entering her third at Brunswick School. She has taught Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus and served as Math Department Co-Chairman at The Brearley School. She also has extensive experience with elective courses such as Symbolic Logic, Topology, and (of course) Fractals. Additionally, Ms. Warne has taught problem solving and calculus classes at high school summer programs at Amherst College and Mount Holyoke College.
Success in Algebra
Prerequisite: Pre-algebra (or Brunswick 7th grade math).
Students who are excited to do Upper School math will find here that math is really easy and fun. Those who have done pre-algebra and are looking for a boost in Algebra I will find this class a must, and for those who have had Algebra I already, this is a great way to get to Geometry with a head start. One of Brunswick’s most experienced and accomplished teachers will show you the way to Success in Algebra.
Instructor: Anne Allwood
Anne Allwood holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Oxford University in Math, a second Master’s degree from Oxford in Education and a third from London University in Psychology and Special Needs Education. She has more than twenty years’ experience teaching at the secondary level and will enter her ninth year at Brunswick in the fall of 2008. She currently teaches honors and AP level courses and has been a favorite teacher of Brunswick students for years.
Espionage 101 - Modern Cryptography
Requirements: Laptop Computer will be provided for all lab related work.
Learn the art and science of code breaking, and code making. We will start at the beginning, from the simplest Caesar's Cipher dating back to 50 BC, and work through the most complicated RSA algorithms currently used in electronic commerce over the Internet. The remarkable discipline of Cryptography is a cornerstone of computer and communications security, with end products that are eminently practical. This course will focus on a branch of mathematics that has long been considered esoteric, and brings together fields like number theory and probability theory.
Modern cryptography addresses a wide range of problems. But the most basic problem remains the classical one - ensuring security of communication across an insecure medium. This fascinating course covers varied mathematical topics including probability, prime numbers and factorization, modular arithmetic, modular inverses, fast exponentiation techniques and Euclidean algorithms to encrypt and analyze codes. Finally, you’ll learn to create your own secure Private and Public Keys, using PGP (Pretty Good Privacy).
Instructor: Poonam Gupta
Starting her 6th year at Brunswick this fall, Poonam Gupta teaches Math and AP Computer Science in the Upper School; she has over 20 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Gupta has taught Cryptography at the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (JHU-CTY) for several years.