Avid Academy for Gifted Youth

B Session

2009-08-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Click here for more pictures from the B-I session.

Click here for more pictures from the B-II session.

The A Session Concludes

2009-07-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, we said goodbye to our A session students. On Friday, we held championships in Mental Math, 24!, and cumulative class material.

In the A-I class, Brian C. took the Champion award for Mental Math, barely besting Kelechi U. Brian C. continued his winning streak and defeated Henry S. for the 24! title. In the team challenge, Calvin B., Melehisedec L., and Alex K. came away in second place, putting up a good fight against Jason Y., Katie K., and Mason H. who won first place. Finally, in the individual competition, Justin L. won third place, Brian C. won second, and Jason Y. won first.

Click here for more photos of A-I's final day.

The competition was also close in the A-II class. An action-packed game yielded B.J. K. the winner of the Mental Math competion, who bested Destene V. B.J. also won the 24! competition, although Srinidhi B. put up a good fight for the championship. In the team competition, Cindy Q. and Han C. nailed a close second, but Sean C., Ajay W., and Andre L. clinched the team championship. In the individual competition, George H. won third place, Tommy K. won second, and B.J. K. once again came in first.

Click here for more photos of A-II's final day.

Chess Challenge

2009-07-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in our A-III class, we have a nationally ranked chess player? Today, Richard Yang faced off against multiple students in our A-I and A-II classes at once in an intense simultaneous exhibition. Students brought along their own chess sets, and sat in a circular fashion. Richard would go to a student, make one move, then move on to the next student repeatedly until all games are finished.

Although our students played great games, Richard defeated each of his opponents. Avid Academy thanks Richard for providing this fun opportunity to the students.

For more pictures of the chess tournament, visit our Picasa Album.

PICTURE DAY TOMORROW

2009-07-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

To sessions A-I, A-II, and A-III:

Avid Academy Math Olympiad Summer Camp PICTURE DAY is tomorrow! Please wear your camp t-shirts that you received today for the picture!

A-I: Days 3 - 6

2009-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp sure is flying by!

On the third day of Math Olympiad Summer Camp, our A-I students learned about the mathematician Leonhard Euler, who figured out how to add all the numbers one through one hundred in thirty seconds when he was only a child! Using his method, we learned to add large amounts of counting numbers quickly and effectively. We also began to learn the Rubik's cube. Please see this helpful website for a complete solution for the Rubik's cube.

On the fourth day, we encountered competition level counting problems. You may think learning to count is not difficult, but it is a very tricky topic! Our students learned a methodic and complete way of counting to ensure their success on future math competitions. We then took a California Math League test, in which students took the test in their fall grade level. Our students did exceptionally well, even considering they haven't seen the material in which they tested yet! The fourth graders averaged 16 our of 30, and first place went to Calvin who scored 25, second place to Michelle H who scored 22, and Neil who scored 21. The fifth graders averaged 21 out of 30, and Kelechi scored first place with 28 correct answers, Jason placed second with 25 correct, and Brian scored third with 24 correct answers. Congratulations students!

On day five, our students learned to solve algebra-level problems using the Singapore picture model method. Dr. Li gave students examples of several different types of tricky word problems that can be tackled with this method. Then we did some Math Magic, where Teaching Assistant Dale read the students minds! The students picked a secret number, performed several calculations upon it, and then told Dale their resulting number, and she was able to guess the student's numbers each time! Dr. Li performed a similar trick, guessing the students' birthdays after they performed certain calculations on it. Finally, he taught the students a magic card trick.

Today, on day six, the students had their first encounters with geometry and geometric problem solving. Dr. Li gave each student a Tangram set, a set of seven shapes that can be positioned to form several shapes. They used these shapes to solidify their concept of areas and geometric spaces. Then Dr. Li shared his Zome collection, where the students learned to form tetrahedrons and three-dimensional shapes of all kinds! Visit our Picasa account for pictures of the students making tetrahedrons.

Fun Numerical Fact

2009-07-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today, for the first time in a century, it was 12:34:56 07.08.09. Share this fun fact with your friends!

Rubik's Cube!

2009-07-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Avid Academy Summer Camps will teach all students how to solve the Rubik's cube. Tonight, it may be helpful for students to review this complete, easy-to-follow solutions guide before attending class tomorrow.

See you tomorrow!

A-III: Two Days Completed

2009-07-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy 2 days so far and it's not going to slow down any time soon.

On the first day, Dr. Li started off with techniques to take unseemly mathematical expressions, and reinterpret them to make them easier to compute. The ability to do this is invaluable for math competitions. Then, he also went over another important tool for problem solving: algebraic manipulations. Students learned to take given equations and manipulate them into a desired expression. The day was topped off with a practice AMC 10 exam.

Today, students learned about linear equations and how to work with them. They also learned the basics of dealing with higher-degree polynomials, which is something that is easy to botch up. The day ended with another practice test; this time, a team test. The class divided up into groups and had 45 minutes to complete 25 problems from a competition called the Purple Comet Math Meet.

A-II: The First Two Days of Camp

2009-07-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

We've completed the first two days of Algebra Problem Solving, and we have learned plenty of new math theories, strategies, and games in this short time!

On Monday, the students learned some special multiplication tricks, allowing them to multiply in 5 seconds! They learned the "multiply by 11" trick, the "square numbers ending in 5" trick, and the "units digits summing to 10" trick. Then they learned problem solving using number theory. Then they competed in a sample California Math League test, which testing their mathematical ability in their upcoming grade.

Today, the students learned how to add quickly in their heads. Test your students at home by suggesting two, three, or four digit numbers they should add together. Then they delved into algebra, learning principles and techniques that will give them a head start in algebra during the school year. The class finished the day by learning to play 24.

You can play 24 at home with your students by removing the face cards from a deck of cards, and then dealing four cards at a time. Then you must create the number 24 out of the values presented on the four card hand (the ace is a one) using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. See how many combinations you can find!

For more high resolution pictures of A-II students, please view our Picasa account.

Also, Tommy Kwa's family has invited his classmates to a pool party! The party will be on Friday, July 10th, from 5 to 7pm. Swimming is optional, but eating pizza is a must! The party is in Northpark, and email totsuki@sbcglobal.net for the address and other details.

A-I: Our First Two Days!

2009-07-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Our first two days in our morning session have been greatly successful, and our students have learned several fun new math tricks!

Yesterday, our students learned a trick making a square out of eight quarters. Dr. Li suggested the Math Olympians challenge their parents with the same trick, and if the student stumps the parent, the student gets to keep the $2! We also watched a humorous video about an old grandpa trying to do math and failing miserably! The video can be viewed here.

Today, our students learned how to use the Guess and Check strategy in problem solving. They learned that guessing isn't arbitrary, but that guessing must be educated in order to be successful. Ask your Math Olympian about the guessing game they played with Dr. Li: Dr. Li thought of a two-digit number, and the class had to guess his number using the least possible number of yes-or-no questions.

Then Dr. Li taught his students how to play 24! Ask your Math Olympian to bring a deck of cards to the dinner table, remove all the face cards, and then deal four cards from the modified deck. Now try to make the number 24 out of the four values (ace counts as 1) you've dealt using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. See how many ways you can make 24!

For more high resolution pictures of the A-I students playing 24!, view our Picasa account.

2009 Orange County Math Olympiad Summer Camp Briefing

2009-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Avid Academy for Gifted Youth 2009 Orange County Math Olympiad Summer Camp! We are eager to start this summer’s math camp, but first we must discuss some basic information regarding the camp. This entry contains important information regarding the camp, such as how to get to the camp, what to bring, and how to keep in touch during the camp. Please read the instructions carefully and go over them thoroughly with your Young Math Olympian (YMO). We look forward to meeting you soon!

Sincerely,

Dr. James Li

Executive Director

Avid Academy for Gifted Youth

Camp Staff

Dr. James Li, Executive Director/Head Coach: An accomplished researcher in instructional design and a founder of award-winning e-learning and knowledge management companies, Dr. Li has over twenty years of professional experience in designing and delivering innovative learning solutions for many leading corporations worldwide. Combining his expertise in training the 21^st century workforce with a lifelong passion in learning, Dr. Li advocated for gifted education through personal involvement over the years and consequently found his calling in identifying and educating talented youth, bright and early.

Dr. Li received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology and M.S. in Computer Science from University of Southern California. He has a B.S. in Physics and Informatics from East China Normal University, Shanghai. As one of the key founders and sponsors of the Friends of San Diego Math Circle, Dr. Li provided seminars to educate parents in developing math talents in gifted children. He also enjoys volunteering as a math coach at his children's school in South Orange County.

Andrew Lee, Assistant Coach: In June 2008, Mr. Lee graduated one year early from Northwood High School in Irvine, CA. He qualified for USAMO in 2008, was the 2005 Orange County MATHCOUNTS champion, and also placed first in the western region Mandelbrot Competition. Andrew competed and won many awards in science, programming, and music competitions. He has completed a year at UC Berkeley majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Dale Robbins, Camp Counselor: Ms. Robbins is a fourth year student at University of California, Irvine, where she is a mathematics major with an emphasis in statistics. She has been a teaching assistant at Avid Academy since Fall 2008. She has recently passed the first actuarial exam and hopes to pursue a career as an actuary upon graduation.

Directions to Concordia University, Irvine

Concordia University is located in Irvine, California and directly accessible from the 5 or 405 Freeway at Jeffrey/University exit:

Take Jeffrey South which becomes University Dr.
Turn left at Ridgeline Dr. (There is a Concordia University sign before Ridgeline)
Turn right at Concordia East
At the gate, notify the guard that you are attending Avid Academy Math Olympiad Summer Camp to get a parking pass and enter the campus
Proceed to park in the Parking Lot highlighted in yellow on attached Campus Map
Follow the Avid Academy Math Olympiad signs from the Parking Lot to GH121 in Grimm Hall.

NOTE: On the first day, please ask the security guards at the gate to give you a two-week parking pass.

Arrivals and Departures

Morning Sessions (A-I July 6 – 17 or B-I July 20 – 31):

The morning sessions are for rising grades 4-6 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM, Monday through Friday. Please arrive between 8:15 and 8:25 AM as the camp will start promptly at 8:30 AM. We have planned many interesting activities so please do not be late. The camp will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. Please pick up your YMO on time.

Afternoon Sessions (A-II July 6 – 17 or B-II July 20 – 31):

The afternoon sessions are for rising grades 7-8 from 12:30 – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please arrive between 12:15 and 12:25 PM as the camp will start promptly at 12:30 PM. We have planned many interesting activities so please do not be late. The camp will be dismissed at 3:30 PM, with an optional homework hour with the teaching assistants from 3:30 PM to 4:30PM. Please plan ahead with your YMO so you can pick him or her up on time.

Evening Sessions (A-III July 6 – 17):

The evening sessions are for rising grades 9-11 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please arrive between 5:15 and 5:25 PM as the camp will start promptly at 5:30 PM. Please do not be late. The camp will be dismissed at 8:30 PM. Please pick up your YMO on time.

Signing-In and Signing-Out

We will have math puzzles and board games in the classroom. When YMOs are signed in early, they will stay in the room and play games until the class begins. When the camp is dismissed, YMOs will stay in the room until signed out. Only authorized parents or guardians on our file can sign out YMOs for the morning and afternoon sessions. A written permission is required for a person other than authorized parents or guardians to sign out a YMO.

Camp Materials

On the first day of camp, each YMO will receive a camp T-shirt and a camp binder. Handouts, homework problem sets, and coaching materials will be distributed on a daily basis. YMOs will be asked to organize these materials in their camp binders and bring them back home and to camp daily.

What to Bring

The following items are needed:

One 70-page notebook for taking notes
50 sheets of three-hole paper to fit the camp binder
A set of 8-tab index dividers for the binder
Pens/pencils and erasers
Healthy snacks and drink
A genuine Rubik’s cube (available from Amazon, Toy R Us, and Target)
An open mind, a smiling face, and a thinking cap

There will be two ten-minute breaks during daily sessions. YMOs shall plan the time wisely for use of restrooms and snacks. As some of our YMOs are allergic to nut-related food, please do not bring snacks with potentially allergy-inducing ingredients and do not share food.

What Not to Bring

The following items are not recommended during the camp:

Calculators
Video games & iPods
Computers
Anything you cannot bring to your own school

Communications

Attending Sessions

At Avid Academy for Gifted Youth, our goal is to foster a community of talented youths and their families. We have an open door policy and encourage you, the parents, to take part in your children’s education by observing, helping, or participating (sometimes) as long as there are seats available in the classroom and you don’t interfere with the instructions. Parents are welcome to attend any of our lectures and to observe problem solving activities if you have the approval from your YMO.

Contacting Avid Academy

If you need to reach your YMO regarding an urgent matter while the camp is in session, please call our staff cell phone at (949) 510-8889. For other matters, please email us at info@AvidAcademy.com.

Checking E-Mails and Website

Please check your e-mails daily and visit our website at www.AvidAcademy.com regularly. To keep our communications open and timely, emails are used to summarize the camp activities and suggest dinner table math talk topics. Please encourage your YMO to share the cool math tricks, puzzles, and problems they learned at the camp. It is a great way to reinforce their learning by sharing what they learned.

We will also have fun math activities every day. Try to learn from your YMO about these activities. If they learned a math trick, ask them to teach you the trick. If they learned a math game, play the game with them. If they got a math puzzle, encourage them solve the puzzle. If you lose to your YMO in the games, be a good sport.

Abiding Code of Conducts (for YMOs)

Please review the following basic rules of the camp with your YMO:

Be polite and respectful
Learn with an open mind
Follow all of the safety rules
Share your opinion positively
Respect the views of others even if you disagree
Watch out for one another and make sure everyone feels included
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Laugh with others, not at others

Creating a Positive Math Environment (for Parents)

A key to develop young math talent is to create a positive math environment. We have incorporated many math games, tournaments, and mock-up competitions into our problem solving activities. While there will be awards for these competitions, they are not the goals of the camp. They are designed to motivate YMOs and not to label them as winners and losers. Like playing any sports, honing skills, developing passion, and building teamwork are most critical in learning math. Each YMO learns at a different pace. Please focus on their individual progress, not whether they win or lose. With role modeling from parents and genuine support from a community, YMOs can actively enjoy pure learning, truly appreciate the art of problem solving, and positively build their characters.

Safety Protocol

The safety of all YMOs is the highest priority at Avid Academy for Gifted Youth. To achieve that, the following protocol will be in effect throughout the camp:

YMOs cannot leave the classroom unless accompanied by camp staff or a parent/guardian.
YMOs should wear the name tag for easy identification (there are other youth camps on the same facilities).
In the event of a medical problem or other emergency affecting the YMO, parents or guardians will be notified immediately, while at the same time prompt medical attention will be administered as required.
Avid Academy reserves the rights to dismiss YMOs with behavioral problems or rule violations. In such cases, tuition will not be refunded.