IMACS Afterschool Programs

Mathematics Enrichment

IMACS makes math fun! It is difficult to describe the energy and excitement generated by an IMACS Mathematics Enrichment class. IMACS students learn best when they are solving interesting problems expressed in a language (often of pictures) that they understand. For example, when solving a detective story (such as the one presented below), IMACS students are expanding their understanding, enjoying and using their newly learned skills instead of just practicing them

IMACS students use the clues below to find Flip. Can you?

Pictorial tools such as those shown above are used to allow IMACS mathematics enrichment students to understand advanced concepts that are usually brushed over in school, concepts about numbers, and about sets, relations, and functions. For the IMACS student, facility with mathematical notions such as numbers and number operations is balanced with understanding. And with understanding comes an appreciation of the value of logic and of logical reasoning, and therein lies the trait that distinguishes the IMACS student. The IMACS student learns from the very first day how to formulate coherent and logical arguments, and it is this ability, and not just general arithmetic skills, that allow the IMACS student to excel.

Mathematics enrichment classes are offered at a variety of levels appropriate for students in grades 1-8. Although they are pitched at different levels of sophistication, all classes have a number of features in common:

  • A problem solving approach.
  • The systematic use of games, stories, and puzzles.
  • An emphasis on logical thinking, strategic reasoning, estimation, and mental arithmetic.
  • The use of teaching devices such as the Papy Minicomputer that have been shown to sidestep barriers that exist in regular elementary and middle school mathematics classes and give IMACS students direct access to creative, advanced, and stimulating problems.

Course Offerings*

Course Grade Level Course Number

Primary Mathematics Enrichment I-IV
A sequence of mathematics enrichment classes designed both in duration and content for the youngest IMACS students with a view to preparing them for the greater challenges of the Elementary Mathematics Enrichment program. Meets one hour per week.

1-2

PE101-4

Elementary Mathematics Enrichment I-IV
A sequence of mathematics enrichment classes tailored for the needs of second and third graders who are still too young for the mainstream Mathematics Enrichment program and its sequels. Meets one and a half hours per week.

2-3

ME001-4

Mathematics Enrichment I-IV
The mainstream mathematics enrichment program with a wide variety of intellectually challenging materials for students in grade 3 and above. Meets two hours per week.

3-6

ME101-4

Intermediate Mathematics Enrichment I-IV
A mathematics enrichment program for bright and mathematically talented students in grade 4 and above. Meets two hours per week.

4-7

ME201-4

Advanced Mathematics Enrichment I-IV
A mathematics enrichment program for bright and mathematically talented students in grade 5 and above. Meets two hours per week.

5-8

ME301-4

*Note: Certain courses may not be available at all IMACS locations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prior to registering in the IMACS Mathematics Enrichment program, students and their parents must attend a Demonstration Class. These classes are free, and are scheduled prior to the start of each quarter. Demonstration Classes provide parents with an opportunity to see the unique IMACS curriculum and teaching methods in action, and allow IMACS instructors to assess the mathematics enrichment level that best suits each individual student. Please contact IMACS to reserve a place in a Demonstration Class, or sign up for a Demonstration Class.