PZ Calc Camp

Develop a deep understanding of the big picture of Calculus with the strengthening of important foundational skills

PZ Calc Camp

Camp Overview


PZ Math Calculus Prep is a one-week camp that will prepare you for all the rigor of the AP Calculus curriculum. Our unique approach blends the development of a deep understanding of the big picture of Calculus with the strengthening of important foundational skills. With constant practice and individualized feedback, we’ll guide students through the two primary ideas of Calculus, rates of change and area, while reinforcing all the required skills in algebra, trigonometry, and limits. Beyond content, students will learn powerful problem solving techniques and study skills to be successful in their AP Calculus course, on the AP exam, and beyond. By the end of the week, students will have all the skills and resources necessary to thrive in AP Calculus. No application required; register online before June 1 for an early registration discount!

This year, we will be holding camp at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. Come experience life for a week at an elite liberal arts college. Tuition includes room (private room in a co-ed dorm) and board while camp is in session and access to the Williams College library and other facilities.  Camp hours will be 9:30 – 4:30 daily; optional social activities will be organized in the evenings.

*We are planning to host camp in person this year. Specific covid precautions to follow.*

Details:


Camp Fee: $

Camp Dates: DATE

Application Due Date: DATE

PZ Calc Camp Benefits

Knowledge

  • A deep understanding of limits and derivatives
  • Improved algebra and trig skills
  • AP test strategies

Math Strategies

  • Problem solving tips and strategies for how to approach difficult questions
  • Concrete strategies to lessen math anxiety
  • Math study skills
  • How to ask questions to further one’s understanding.
  • Critical logical thinking skills that go beyond math courses

Resources

  • 1 page topic sheets summarizing the fundamental ideas in Calculus
  • Worked examples, with solutions
  • Practice tests, with solutions

Testimonials

“Thank you for teaching us so much – I have never had an experience so equally humbling and inspiring.”

“Thanks so much for such a fun week. I’ve never had so much fun and learned so much math at the same time. Thanks for reminding me why I love math.”

“The lectures were better than from any other teacher I’ve ever had!”

Camp Experience

PZ Math Camp (PZMC) is a ten-day residential math camp for mathematically gifted high school students hosted at Williams College. Campers will be exposed to several different areas of mathematics through colloquia and other activities, but the primary focus of the camp will be Number Theory & The Art of Mathematical Thinking. Campers will learn to explore the theory of numbers by asking thoughtful questions, working out examples, looking for patterns, making conjectures, and finally, proving their results.  One of our goals is to inspire students by showing them a fascinating world of mathematics not seen in standard high school courses and surrounding them by like-minded mathematically curious peers.

A typical day at math camp includes the following:  group problem solving sessions, interactive lectures with ample time for student-driven mathematical discovery, a math talk by an award-winning mathematician or a panel discussion on what it’s like to major in mathematics at college, and plenty of time for fun including hiking, museum trips, and a math movie night!

Meet the Instructor

Allison Pacelli, Professor of Mathematics at Williams College, is the Founder and Director of PZMC (formerly known as Williams College Math Camp WCMC).  Pacelli received her Ph.D. in 2003 at Brown University, in the field of algebraic number theory.  Pacelli is an award-winning teacher and the author of numerous research papers as well as the textbook (with Alan Taylor)  Mathematics and Politics:  Strategy, Voting, Power, and Proof (2nd edition).