Connecting Science and Society: AGYA Math Olympiad Camp

“A Passion for math“ – that is what high school students with different nationalities and background shared when they met from 29 January to 2 February 2017 in Doha, Qatar. The Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) invited them to come together for its first Math Olympiad Camp. The idea of this project is to discover and to support young students in Qatar who are talented in mathematics.

“The aim of the AGYA Math Olympiad Camp in Doha is to provide the smooth transmission to the next level of mastering mathematics and to develop new skills. Furthermore, the math camp allows students to have fun solving mathematical problems and enjoy learning together”, says Ahmad El-Guindy, AGYA Member and Associate Professor of Mathematics, Texas A&M University at Qatar, who organized the camp together with his fellow AGYA colleagues Maha Al-Hendawi, Laith Al-Shawaf and Kalman Graffi.

The camp provided an enriching experience for youth participants with an interest in and an aptitude for mathematics: During the camp, the students learned interesting mathematical concepts and mathematical problem-solving techniques, which help them to qualify and prepare for international math competitions, such as the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The IMO is one of the oldest and most respected international competitions for young talents. Participants of the AGYA Math Olympiad Camp were guided and trained by experts from Germany and Qatar with vast experience in national and international math competitions and Olympiads.

A special focus during the camp was on methods and knowledge on how to deal with problems that are tested in international math competitions. Additionally to the trainings for students, several slots for teachers interested in developing their skills in teaching and solving advanced problems were offered.

The Math Olympiad Camp took place from 29 January to 2 February 2017 and was hosted at Texas A&M University at Qatar. It is a project of the Working Group “Arab and German Education” of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA). This week-long interaction between students, trainers, teachers and university professors was a significant cornerstone on which further mathematical and scientific activities in Qatar can be carried out. All participants who concluded the full program received certificates.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

• Attracting young students at an early stage to science and fostering their talents
• Developing didactic concepts and materials
• Broadening scientific and cultural horizons and enhancing skills as competent global citizens

NETWORK & EXCHANGE

• Providing high caliber training for participating Arab countries (train the trainers)
• Establishing a mentorship network connecting high school math and science teachers to Arab and German scientists
• Providing academic support in developing didactic materials
• Supporting the participation of Arab countries in the International Math Olympiad for high school students
• Implementing at a second stage bilateral math and science camps for scientific & intercultural exchange