The Math Discovery Program (MDP) provides the environment where 3-5 grade potential gifted and talented (GATE) students could explore and discover their talents by assessing their curiosity about numbers and math concepts, and their potentials for abstract thinking abilities at a young age. Thus, the program at this young age is designed to develop critical analytical thinking and problem solving and lifelong learning skills. KESC offers three levels of math problem solving courses:Introductory Math Problem Solving (MDP 101 PS)
This course will use both formal and informal strategies to introduce problem solving skills to the beginners with the objective of motivating them as early as possible to appreciate math in a caring non-threatening environment. The students will learn basic problem solving strategies,Prerequisite: Concurrently enrolled in 4th grade
Grades: 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades
Total Time: 45 Hours (30 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting)
Availability: KESC 2008 Math Discovery Summer Camp
Intermediate Math Problem Solving (MDP 102 PS)
This course is similar to MDP 101 PS but uses more multiple strategies in solving problems requiring more analytical and independent reasoning skills. The focus is on using multiple strategies in solving problems.Prerequisite: MDP 101 and Concurrently enrolled in 4th or 5th grade
Grades: 4th or 5th grade GATE students
Total Time: 45 Hours (30 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting)
Availability: Summer, Fall, and Spring 2008
Advanced Math Problem Solving (MDP 103 PS)
This course is the same content area as MDP 102 PS but extended to advanced level using strong logic reasoning and critical thinking skills in solving difficult math problems. The course deepens students' problem solving skills and prepares them for Honors Pre-Algebra.Prerequisite: MDP 102 PS and Concurrently enrolled in 5th or 6th grade
Grades: 5th or 6th grade GATE students
Total Time: 45 Hours (30 meetings at 1.5 hour per meeting)
Availability: Summer, Fall, and Spring 2008.