Spring 2025, Central Florida Math Circle
News: Our Central Florida Math Circle was awarded the Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grant from the Mathematical Association of America. This grant enables us to collaborate on program improvement with Orange County Public School teachers Dr. Julia Keith, Dr. Abi Ruiz, and Dr. Shane Wiggan, all of whom obtained their Doctor of Education degrees (EdD) from the Noyce program at UCF in 2024.
The registration is closed. Thank you for your interest in our math circle!
If you have any inquiries, then please contact Dr. Michelle Kwon at Seongchun.Kwon@ucf.edu
Further updates will be posted on X.com.
Dr. Teixeira discussed the concept of infinity. The set of natural numbers is infinite, as are its subsets, such as prime numbers and odd numbers. In the finite world, a subset always has a fewer number of elements than the whole set. (Continued in the thread)
3On February 22, Dr. Zixia Song, our department chair, will present The Four Color Problem. The abstract of her talk is in the thread.
Advanced Group: Dr. Barry Griffiths and then Dr. Gerrit Welper
2The Central Florida Math Circle is an effort of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Florida to offer the middle school students of the Central Florida region an opportunity to have fun with mathematics.
The Math Circle is not directed towards a particular curriculum; it is not a class, a lecture or a tutorial. It is a directed experience in the encouragement of student discovery of mathematics. We are happy to be part of a national effort “The National Association of Math Circles” to encourage and develop mathematical insight in students.
Our Sessions
All sessions are guided by math faculties, regional teachers, educators, and graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida. Each session consists of two parts. In the first part of each session (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm), faculty members will give talks on the intriguing topics of mathematics or lead mathematical explorations. In the second part of each session (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm), students will be engaged in problem-solving and discussion activities with the curriculum-related enrichment topics which will sharpen their understanding of the curriculum-related materials.
All sessions will be held on Saturdays, 2:00 pm-4: 30 pm, in the Mathematical Sciences Building on the UCF campus. The locations will be announced later.
Confirmed Session Leaders for the Advanced Group: Drs. Martin Michalak, Robert Jenkins, Barry Griffiths, Gerrit Welper, Nicole Tuovila.
All of them are faculty members in the Mathematics Department at UCF.
Grade 6 Session Leader: Mr. Athanasios Dimitriadis (Graduate Student), Ms. Chanda Obregon (Undergraduate Student)
Mr. Dimitriadis is in the Math Ph.D. program at UCF. He previously led the Advanced Group.
Ms. Obregon is a junior majoring in mathematics. She has experience with math outreach activities and is enthusiastic about contributing to our program.
Grade 7&8 Session Leaders: Mr. Jose Huaman, Ms. Kacie Kulenguski
Ms. Kulenguski is in the Math Ph.D. program at UCF. She led Grade 6 in 2024, and Grade 7&8 in 2023. Mr. Huaman is in the Math Ph.D. program at UCF.
| Session | Date | Speakers | Title of the talk |
| 1 | January 25 | Dr. Julia Keith and Mrs. Sabrina Robinson from Orange County Public School | Visualizing Mathematics: Exploring Graphical Representations Abstract: Graphs are great tools for showing data, but they can sometimes be misinterpreted or misleading. This session aims to empower students to think critically and creatively about graphs. Students will learn why being able to read multiple graphical representations is important and learn how well constructed graphs can help us understand data clearly and accurately. In addition, students will engage with misleading graphs, slow-reveal graphs and story graphs. |
| 2 | February 1 | Dr. Ram Mohapatra, Mathematics Department at UCF | What is Mathematics about? Abstract: Most school students (except a handful) feel that being asked to solve problems is a kind of punishment because it quickly reveals their problem-solving ability. In this talk, we will discuss what mathematics deals with and how best to develop skills to solve problems. We will have fun with numbers, unsolved problems, and pattern recognition to make conjectures. |
| 3 | February 8 | Dr. Alexander Tovbis, Mathematics Department at UCF | What do mathematicians do? Abstract: We will explore problems that mathematicians think about—some funny, some serious. Only those who attend will find out what they are! |
| 4 | February 15 | Dr. Eduardo Teixeira, Mathematics Department at UCF, Graduate Director | Harvesting the Infinite Abstract: Infinity is everywhere—in the vastness of space, the endless decimals of π, and even in simple math puzzles! But what does infinity really mean? In this talk, we’ll explore the surprising and mind-blowing world of infinity, from ancient paradoxes to cutting-edge technology. We’ll see how infinity shapes our understanding of numbers, science, and even the way computers work. Get ready for a journey where the impossible becomes possible and the infinite becomes surprisingly real! |
| 5 | February 22 | Dr. Zixia Song, Mathematics Department at UCF, Department Chair | The Four-Color Problem Abstract: The Four-Color Problem dates back to 1852 when Francis Guthrie, while trying to color the map of counties of England, noticed that four colors sufficed. He asked his brother Frederick if it was true that any map can be colored using four colors in such a way that adjacent regions (i.e., those sharing a common boundary segment, not just a point) receive different colors. In this talk, we will survey the history of The Four-Color Problem. |
| 6 | March 1 | Dr. Julia Keith (Orange County Public School) and Mrs. Mary Ellen Freeman(Math Educator and Curriculum Developer) | Embracing Errors: The Power of Mistakes in the Math Learning Journey Abstract: Embracing mistakes is an essential part of the math journey. Rather than viewing errors as setbacks, we can see them as valuable learning opportunities that help us grow and improve. Math is about more than just getting the right answer—it’s about the process of problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience. Each mistake teaches us something new, and with patience, persistence, and a growth mindset, we become stronger learners. So, let’s embrace our errors, reflect on what they can teach us, and use them as stepping stones to success! |
What should students bring?
Students will bring a notebook and pencils. Students will come with a desire to see mathematics differently.
Faculty Team
Archives
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