Mathematics
“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding” – William Paul Thurston (1946-2012)
This deceptively simple statement by one of America’s most accomplished mathematicians underlies the essential truth upon which the philosophy of AMSA’s Math Department is based.Mathematics is not merely a grab-bag of techniques and calculations, nor a listing of numerical or geometrical facts, but is the language and truth of the universe that leads us to a world of understanding. This understanding girds all science in its astonishing variety and development, and without which the highly technological world which sustains us would never have been. AMSA’s mathematical faculty seeks to prepare and nourish all our students to learn well in, to think well in, and to have full chance to flourish in such a world. Our goals are:
- To build a strong foundation, for all students, in the core branches of pre-College mathematics.
- To develop each students’ potential for genuine success in College academics.
- To nurture both a capacity for careful analytic thought and a feel for creativity within the mathematics.
- To foster chances for interdisciplinary learning that connects Mathematics and AMSA’s Science and Humanities programs.
- To be held to the highest standards in teaching and in command of the subjects taught.
To build a strong foundation, for all students, in the core branches of pre-College mathematics.
To develop each students’ potential for genuine success in College academics.
To nurture both a capacity for careful analytic thought and a feel for creativity within the mathematics.
To foster chances for interdisciplinary learning that connects Mathematics and AMSA’s Science and Humanities programs.
To be held to the highest standards in teaching and in command of the subjects taught.
Math Dept. News
Mathematics teachers Ms. Zoettler, Ms. Makovoz, and Ms. Shmidt (Dept. Chair) proudly show off some of their student end-of-year projects. These are from Advanced Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, and Differential Equations courses. See them for yourself in the Upper School 500 floor! photos
What do some 9th & 10th graders in Ms. Trang’s study hall do when they finish their homework? Create math problems on the board for each other to solve, of course! File this under Only at AMSA… photo
AMSA’s Varsity Math Team placed 3rd in the small school category at the Mass. Association of Mathematics Leagues (MAML) state competition on March 30!
AMSA’s Middle School Math Team won 3rd place in the recent MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition, which qualifies them for the States Competition! “They have been working so hard and deserve to be recognized for their amazing achievements thus far in the year. I am truly very proud of them!” said Ms. Fida, coach of the Middle School Math Team. read more
The AMSA Math Team finished 5th, just a few points shy of the third place, among 28 competitors in the second meet of Worcester County Math League.
AMSA hosted its second free Math Acceleration Academy during April vacation.
AMSA’s Middle School Math Team finished up a great season with excellent results in the statewide Mathcounts Competition!
AMSA hosted a free Math Acceleration Academy during February vacation week for AMSA students in grades 6-10.
This past year was completely different and challenging in new ways due to the pandemic
This is the largest qualifying group in AMSA history.
Congratulations to the top scoring Lower School students who participated in the AMC 8 last November.
Mr. Peters challenged his Gr 7 Algebra students with a “bowling” game of sorts.
Today all Middle School students participated in the annual Middle School Math Olympiad during their math classes.
On Monday, the team competed in state math league championships and placed a clear first in the small schools division.
Pi Day is today (Mar 14 or 3-14), a day to celebrate the mathematical constant π.
AMSA’s Middle School Math Team took 3rd Place at the third annual Pi Day Math Tournament held at WPI on Saturday!
Upper School students held the competition for 6th and 7th graders.
AMSA’s six-member team came from behind to defeat Mass. Academy of Math & Science in a close contest.