Meetings

Below is an archive of our meetings from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

September 14, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Phil Yasskin, Texas A&M University

Title: Handshakes & Pile Splitting

Abstract: We will look at two problems:

Hand Shaking: If N people all shake hands, how many handshakes will happen?

Pile Splitting: Start with 10 poker chips. Split them into two piles, say 4 and 6. Multiply those numbers to get 24. Now pick one of those piles, split it and multiply the numbers. Keep going until all the piles have 1 chip.  Finally add up all the products. What is this sum?

We will find these two problems are closely related. 

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Rozlyn Graham, Texas A&M University

Title: Functions Rearranged

Abstract: In this activity, students will learn about the operation of composing functions and discover some of the properties of the compositions of functions. 

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Tanush Yarram, Texas A&M University

Title: Pirate Puzzles

Abstract: Take a dive into the sea with us! In this session we will explore several different problems being faced by a crew of very logically thinking Pirates. Utilizing mathematics, strategy, and our boundless imagination we’ll devise appropriate solutions for the puzzles and build on our own knowledge of probability in the process. 

Problem-Solving: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Instructors: Dr. Kun Wang (Texas A&M), Dr. Xin Liu  (Texas A&M),  Dr. Simone Cecchini (Texas A&M), Dr. Runjie Hu (Texas A&M), Rozlyn Graham (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Instructors: Dr. Bo Zhu (Texas A&M), Dr. Suhan Zhong (Texas A&M), Dr. Zhizhang Xie (Texas A&M), and Xiaoyu Su (Texas A&M), Jake Song (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Instructors: Dr. Samson Zhou (Texas A&M), Dr. Sherry Gong (Texas A&M), Dr. Qiaochu Ma(Texas A&M), and Andrew Yu (Harvard University)

September 21, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Hung Viet Chu, Texas A&M University

Title: Puppies and Kittens

Abstract: Suppose that a shelter has N puppies and M kittens to be adopted. We shall play a two-player game, where two players take turns to move. There are three possible moves: 1) adopt some number of puppies, 2) adopt some number of kittens, or 3) adopt an equal number of puppies and kittens. The one who adopts the last puppies or kittens wins the game. Instead of purely thinking about numbers, we will learn to visualize the game and find a winning strategy. 

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin, Texas A&M University

Title: Handshakes & Pile Splitting 

Abstract: We will look at two problems: Hand Shaking: If N people all shake hands, how many handshakes will happen? Pile Splitting: Start with 10 poker chips. Split them into two piles, say 4 and 6. Multiply those numbers to get 24. Now pick one of those piles, split it and multiply the numbers. Keep going until all the piles have 1 chip. Finally add up all the products. What is this sum? We will find these two problems are closely related.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Marshall King, Texas A&M University

Title: Pascal's Triangle 

Abstract: Pick an arbitrary number out of the infinite Pascal's triangle. What is the probability it is even? We will explore some of the many patterns found in Pascal's triangle to see if we can use any of them to help us answer this question.

Problem-Solving: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Instructors: Dr. Kun Wang (Texas A&M), Dr. Xin Liu  (Texas A&M),  Dr. Simone Cecchini (Texas A&M), Dr. Runjie Hu (Texas A&M), Rozlyn Graham (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Instructors: Dr. Bo Zhu (Texas A&M), Dr. Suhan Zhong (Texas A&M), Dr. Zhizhang Xie (Texas A&M), and Xiaoyu Su (Texas A&M), Jake Song (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Instructors: Dr. Samson Zhou (Texas A&M), Dr. Sherry Gong (Texas A&M), Dr. Qiaochu Ma(Texas A&M), and Andrew Yu (Harvard University)

September 28, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Rozlyn Graham, Texas A&M University

Title: Balance Beam

Abstract: Students will use weights to balance a meter stick like a scale, and draw conclusions using equations, math, and physics. 

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Hung Viet Chu, Texas A&M University

Title: Ladybugs

Abstract: Each ladybug has a certain number of dots on its back. We shall place ladybugs on leaves such that the dots of two ladybugs do not add to the dots of a third ladybug. How many ladybugs can you place on two leaves? Three leaves? We will play this game and its variations. 

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin, Texas A&M University

Title: Rascal's Triangle 

Abstract: Rascal's Triangle is a modification of Pascal's Triangle. We will investigate the differences.

October 5, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Runjie Hu, Texas A&M University

Title: Thurston's extraordinary curve 

Abstract: How complicated can a curve be? Let us play a game on a curve on a plane. This game was done by two great mathematicians Bill Thurston and Dennis Sullivan almost six decades ago. The picture was drawn on the wall of the math department at Berkeley and lasted for four decades before finally being painted. 

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Ryan Jung, Texas A&M University

Title: Dots and Boxes

Abstract: In the classic game of dots and boxes, students will delve into the nuances in order to optimize strategies and understand the game on a deeper level. 

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Nataliya Goncharuk, Texas A&M University

Title: Fractals

Abstract: Trees and broccoli, snowflakes and mountain ranges -- fractals are all around us! We will draw and investigate several fractals and compute their dimension (disclaimer: it will not be integer). 

October 12, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin & Marshall King, Texas A&M University

Title: Eleusis

Abstract: Eleusis is a game which models scientific research by having players identify patterns in a sequence of playing cards.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin & Marshall King, Texas A&M University

Title: Eleusis

Abstract: Eleusis is a game which models scientific research by having players identify patterns in a sequence of playing cards.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin & Marshall King, Texas A&M University

Title: Eleusis

Abstract: Eleusis is a game which models scientific research by having players identify patterns in a sequence of playing cards.

October 26, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Anders Bahrami, Texas A&M University

Title: Bulgarian Solitaire

Abstract: Start with a handful of blocks (say 10) and form them into stacks. Now, take one block from each stack and form a new stack with these blocks. What eventually happens to the stacks when we repeat this process over and over? What about if we change the number of blocks we are using? We investigate several properties of this single person game, known as Bulgarian Solitaire.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Youngho Yoo, Texas A&M University

Title: Who took the candy?

Abstract: We will take turns taking candy from the table. The person who takes the last candy wins.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Abishek Hariharan, Texas A&M University

Title: Cops and Robbers

Abstract: Cops and Robbers is a game where cops attempt to catch robbers hiding anywhere in a series of hideouts, which is represented by a graph. We will look at various graphs to determine if it is possible to catch the robbers. We will also determine how many cops and how many days it takes for the cops to catch the robbers.

Problem-Solving: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Instructors: Dr. Kun Wang (Texas A&M), Dr. Xin Liu  (Texas A&M),  Dr. Simone Cecchini (Texas A&M), Dr. Runjie Hu (Texas A&M), Rozlyn Graham (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Instructors: Dr. Bo Zhu (Texas A&M), Dr. Suhan Zhong (Texas A&M), Dr. Zhizhang Xie (Texas A&M), and Xiaoyu Su (Texas A&M), Jake Song (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Instructors: Dr. Samson Zhou (Texas A&M), Dr. Sherry Gong (Texas A&M), Dr. Qiaochu Ma(Texas A&M), and Andrew Yu (Harvard University)

November 9, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Nataliya Goncharuk, Texas A&M University

Title: Fractals

Abstract: Trees and broccoli, snowflakes and mountain ranges -- fractals are all around us! We will draw and investigate several fractals and compute their dimension (disclaimer: it will not be integer).

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Xin Liu, Texas A&M University

Title: Knights and knaves

Abstract: In this activity, the student has to be a judge in an island of knights and knaves. The only information that is known to the judge is that knights always tell the truth and knaves always lie. After hearing what the (1,2,or 3) persons say, the judge has to distinguish the knights and knaves. This activity is to learn about basic logic.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Frank Sottile, Texas A&M University

Title: The Five Color Theorem

Abstract: Doodling on a map of England in 1852, Francis Guthrie noticed that only four colors were needed to color the counties. He conjectured that any map could be colored with only four colors. Several mathematicians tried and failed to prove this; notably in 1879 Kempe published a proof and only in 1890 was the flaw found by Heawood. This four color conjecture evaded a proof until 1972, when Appel and Haken gave a proof that required a computer. While there is as yet no Human readable proof, Kempe's argument suffices to prove that five color suffice, and this gives a flavor of known proofs of the four color theorem. I will sketch this history and prove the five color theorem, and then discuss the coloring theorem for other surfaces (torus, projective plane, Klein bottle...), time permitting.

November 16, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Yi Liu, Texas A&M University

Title: Dots and Boxes

Abstract: In the classic game of dots and boxes, students will delve into the nuances in order to optimize strategies and understand the game on a deeper level.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Abishek Hariharan, Texas A&M University

Title: Cops and Robbers

Abstract: Cops and Robbers is a game where cops attempt to catch robbers hiding anywhere in a series of hideouts, which is represented by a graph. We will look at various graphs to determine if it is possible to catch the robbers. We will also determine how many cops and how many days it takes for the cops to catch the robbers.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Yuliia Yershova, Texas A&M University

Title: Hex (the Board Game)

Abstract: Hex is a game where two competing players try to connect their two sides together while preventing their opponent from doing the same. In this session, we will examine this game in more depth. Does one side always necessarily win, or is it possible to draw? If one side does always win, does it depend on the board size? What is the winning strategy?

November 23, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Philip Yasskin, Texas A&M University

Title: Toilet Paper

Abstract: We will study how toilet paper can be folded.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dr. Nataliya Goncharuk, Texas A&M University

Title: Fractals

Abstract: Trees and broccoli, snowflakes and mountain ranges -- fractals are all around us! We will draw and investigate several fractals and compute their dimension (disclaimer: it will not be integer).

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: C.J. Bott, Texas A&M University

Title: Symmetries of Geometric Objects

Abstract: We will discover symmetries of geometric objects, beginning with triangles, squares, pentagons, then moving on to 3D examples including monodromy, hyperboloids of 1 sheet, and cubic surfaces (all fun and informally). We will also introduce the projective plane, time permitting.

December 7, 2024

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dylan Wing, Texas A&M University

Title: Super Tangrams

Abstract: Tangrams are a classic Chinese puzzle consisting of 7 pieces which fit together to form a square or other shapes. Super Tangrams are a set of 14 pieces which fit together to form a large number of shapes. The beginners will get a chance to try to make these shapes.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Michael Keeler and Dr. Phil Yasskin , Texas A&M University

Title: Toilet Paper

Abstract: We will study how toilet paper can be folded.

Discovery Learning:  Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Collin Victor, Texas A&M University

Title: Population Puzzles: Understanding Predator-Prey Models

Abstract: How do predators and prey influence each other’s populations over time? In this session, we’ll tackle this question by constructing and analyzing discrete mathematical models. Students will engage in problem-solving activities that highlight the importance of initial conditions and parameters in predicting population trends. This discovery session offers a glimpse into the applications of mathematics in ecology and environmental science.

January 25, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Christiana Vancura, Texas A&M University

Title: Arithmagons

Abstract: We will explore how to solve Arithmagons by filling in numbers at vertices of polygons to satisfy certain linear relationships given by the edges.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Abishek Hariharan, Texas A&M University

Title: Minimum number of coins

Abstract: Imagine that you live in an ancient kingdom and your king has chosen you to deliver a message to another kingdom further away. You have been told that this other kingdom has an annoying guard at the gate that will ask you for a random amount of money between 1 and 100, where the coins you must use have values that are powers of 2. Since you are traveling far, you want to carry very few coins. What is the least number of coins you can take and guarantee being able to pay off the guard? This will introduce students to binary. We will also solve variations of this problem for more bases.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Youngho Yoo, Texas A&M University

Title: Square Bridges

Abstract: We will play the Square Bridges game, which is a variant of the board game Hex. We will try to figure out a winning strategy.

February 1, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: C.J. Bott, Texas A&M University

Title: Symmetries of geometric objects

Abstract: We will discover the symmetries of geometric objects, beginning with triangles, squares, pentagons, then moving on to 3D examples including monodromy, hyperboloids of 1 sheet, and cubic surfaces (all fun and informally).

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Christiana Vancura, Texas A&M University

Title: Arithmagons

Abstract: We will explore how to solve Arithmagons by filling in numbers at vertices of polygons to satisfy certain linear relationships given by the edges.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Rozlyn Graham, Texas A&M University

Title: Functions Rearranged

Abstract: In this activity, students will learn about the operation of composing functions and discover some of the properties of the compositions of functions.

February 7, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: William Taylor, Texas A&M University

Title: Colored Loops

Abstract: In this activity we will use arrows to create colorful loops that cycle back to the starting arrow. Based on the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival activity, Colored Loops, this activity will secretly explore modular arithmetic and cyclic groups.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Dylan Wing, Texas A&M University

Title: Super Tangrams

Abstract: Tangrams are a classic Chinese puzzle consisting of 7 pieces which fit together to form a square or other shapes. Super Tangrams are a set of 14 pieces which fit together to form a large number of shapes. The beginners will get a chance to try to make these shapes.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Abishek Hariharan, Texas A&M University

Title: Escape Room Light Switching

Abstract: You are stuck in a dark room, but you can see a row of n light switches. You need to turn on all the switches to leave the room. However, at each step, you can only flip exactly k switches at a time. The goal is to find the minimum number of steps you can take to turn on all n switches. We will work through specific examples and then make some general observations.

February 15, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Youngho Yoo, Texas A&M University

Title: Stable Marriage Problem

Abstract: Given an equal number of men and women, is there a way to marry opposite-sex pairs so that no man and woman prefer each other over their current partners? This problem comes up in many real-life situations such as matching  students to schools and workers to jobs. We will discuss how to find stable matchings.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Tanush Yarram, Texas A&M University

Title: Pirate Puzzles

Abstract: Take a dive into the sea with us! In this session we will explore several different problems being faced by a crew of very logically thinking Pirates. Utilizing mathematics, strategy, and our boundless imagination we’ll devise appropriate solutions for the puzzles and build on our own knowledge of probability in the process. 

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Dr. Xin Liu, Texas A&M University

Title: Knights and Knaves

Abstract: In this activity, the student has to be a judge in an island of knights and knaves. The only information that is known to the judge is that knights always tell the truth and knaves always lie. After hearing what the (1,2,or 3) persons say, the judge has to distinguish the knights and knaves. This activity is to learn about basic logic.

Problem-Solving: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Instructors: Dr. Kun Wang (Texas A&M), Dr. Xin Liu  (Texas A&M),  Dr. Simone Cecchini (Texas A&M), Dr. Runjie Hu (Texas A&M), Rozlyn Graham (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Instructors: Dr. Bo Zhu (Texas A&M), Dr. Zhizhang Xie (Texas A&M), and Xiaoyu Su (Texas A&M), Jake Song (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Instructors: Dr. Samson Zhou (Texas A&M), Abishek Hariharan, Dr. Qiaochu Ma(Texas A&M), and Andrew Yu (Harvard University)

March 22, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Rozlyn Graham, Texas A&M University

Title: Chomp the Graph

Abstract: Chomp the Graph is a two-player strategy game played on graphs of various shapes and sizes. Players take turns choosing and removing a vertex (along with all edges that depend on it) or an edge. The game continues until only one vertex remains, and the player who takes the last vertex wins! Students will work together to discover winning strategies in different circumstances. This activity helps develop strategic thinking and introduces ideas of Graph Theory.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Abishek Hariharan, Texas A&M University

Title: The Game of NIM

Abstract: The game of Nim is a two-player game that starts with a pile of chips. On each player's turn, they can remove some number of chips from the pile. The winner is the player who removes the last chip. We will find the best strategies for winning and play more difficult variations of this game.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: William Taylor, Texas A&M University

Title: Colored Loops

Abstract: In this activity we will use arrows to create colorful loops that cycle back to the starting arrow. Based on the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival activity, Colored Loops, this activity will secretly explore modular arithmetic and cyclic groups.

Problem-Solving: Beginner Group 

Topics: Art of Problem Solving-PreAlgebra

Instructors: Dr. Kun Wang (Texas A&M), Dr. Xin Liu  (Texas A&M), Dr. Runjie Hu (Texas A&M), Rozlyn Graham (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Intermediate Group

Topics: Art of Problem Solving-Intermediate Algebra

Instructors: Dr. Zhizhang Xie (Texas A&M),  Xiaoyu Su (Texas A&M), Jake Song (Texas A&M)

Problem-Solving: Advanced Group 

Topics: Pigeonhole Principle, Recursive sequences and functions, Recursion (counting problems), Trigonometry, Complex Numbers, State Diagrams, Conditional Probability, and more

Instructors: Dr. Samson Zhou (Texas A&M), Dr. Qiaochu Ma(Texas A&M), Abishek Hariharan (Texas A&M), and Andrew Yu (Harvard University)

March 29, 2025

Discovery Learning: Beginner Group (in Pre-Algebra and below)

Speaker: Dr. Kun Wang, Texas A&M University

Title: Switching Light Bulbs

Abstract: We will explore some number theory problems through these switching light bulbs games.

Discovery Learning: Intermediate Group (in Algebra I or above)

Speaker: Rozlyn Graham, Texas A&M University

Title: Chomp the Graph

Abstract: Chomp the Graph is a two-player strategy game played on graphs of various shapes and sizes. Players take turns choosing and removing a vertex (along with all edges that depend on it) or an edge. The game continues until only one vertex remains, and the player who takes the last vertex wins! Students will work together to discover winning strategies in different circumstances. This activity helps develop strategic thinking and introduces ideas of Graph Theory.

Discovery Learning: Advanced Group (in Algebra II or above)

Speaker: Ethan Luo, Texas A&M University

Title: Stable Marriage Problem

Abstract: Given an equal number of men and women, is there a way to marry opposite-sex pairs so that no man and woman prefer each other over their current partners? This problem comes up in many real-life situations such as matching students to schools and workers to jobs. We will discuss how to find stable matchings.