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SOAR -- Summer Opportunity in Applied Research
Soar through an intensive three-week mathematical sciences camp at the
University of Toronto. This year, SOAR will take place from July 26
to August 13, 1999.
The program runs Monday
through Friday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the University of
Toronto's St. George campus.
The SOAR into Mathematical Sciences Summer Camp is an opportunity to
explore a challenging mathematical topic in a stimulating
environment at the University of Toronto. This year we will study networks,
leading to graph theory, which forms the basis for many recreational puzzles
as well as serious mathematical applications in computer science, organic
chemistry, and other sciences. Excellent high school students, who can easily
grasp new concepts, will soar into these investigations of sophisticated
university-level mathematics and be challenged to think in different ways.
A typical week at SOAR 99 will include lectures, tutorials,
problem-solving sessions, related games.
Since mathematics is best learned by doing, emphasis will be
on solving numerous problems related to graph theory.
You will be encouraged to document your solutions for inclusion into a
personal mathematical portfolio. Parts of the summer's
exploration will require organizational, mathematical, literary
or computer skills. . . so we will be looking for participants who
either specialize or who have a variety of talents.
The camp experience of SOAR into Mathematical Sciences will be an
opportunity to see what life at the University of Toronto and
mathematical research are
really like. You'll get the chance to explore and use the campus
facilities such as the mathematics library and the computer facilities
needed to research the project, as well as the recreational facilities
during the social events.
Graphs can be used to provide abstract representations of knots, maps, or the
networks between computers, cities or people. Any collection of nodes and
connecting lines is a graph. The techniques of graph theory have been
developed to study the solubility of problems related to these arrangements,
efficient algorithms for obtaining the solution and the level of complexity
of the solution. Typical problems are matchmaking, scheduling, colouring of
maps, and the traveling salesman problem.
This introduction to challenging abstract mathematics will include topics
such as the pigeon hole principle, Eulerian graphs, trees, connectivity,
edge colouring, planar graphs, Hamiltonian cycles and Ramsey theory. You
will sharpen your understanding of formal proofs and have a deeper
insight into applications of serious mathematics.
The program is for students who are currently in grades 10 to OAC.
Students in these and lower grades will be considered based
on a critical appraisal of their mathematical background and personal maturity.
You
will need to be a SOAR team player and self motivated. You should
exhibit strong mathematical aptitude. Other excellent assets are
computer science skills, descriptive writing proficiency and artistic
abilities. The application process is competitive, as SOAR is
receiving applications from some of the best students in Ontario.
Residence information is available for those who live beyond an easy
commute. Although residence is available, we cannot take responsibility
for the students outside program hours.
A fee of $300 per student, made out to University of Toronto, is
required for the three week program and should accompany the application
form. Refunds (minus a $35 administration charge) will only be issued
up to June 30th. SOAR is a non-profit program; the fee assists in
covering the cost of lectures and computer time, class notes, occasional
lunches, daily snacks and other incidentals.
NOTE: There is financial assistance available on the
basis of need. The Department of Mathematics will support your request to
reduce the cost of the camp jointly with your school. If you feel that
you would need such assistance, please indicate this fact on your
application.
SOAR into Mathematical Sciences Camp flyers are being faxed or mailed out this
month to most of the high schools in Ontario. If your
school hasn't received any (speak to a math or computer science
teacher to find out), you can email the SOAR Coordinator and
ask for one to be sent to you. Or, you can obtain
electronic versions
of the forms from the Mathematics Network Web Site,
fill them out
and send them in. There are two forms that need to be filled out:
- The application form, to be filled out by you.
You can submit this form electronically if you like.
- The recommendation form.
Have your teacher fill this out and
return it to you so that you can include it with your application.
Applications sent without a recommendation will be held until the
recommendation form is received.
Applications are due by Friday, June 18th, 1999. Late applications
will be considered if space is still available. Along with your
application form, you should include:
- Transcripts of all your high school grades, including term marks
for courses you are currently taking.
- A list of any contests entered or awards received in the past
three years. Give dates, levels of achievement and marks awarded.
Indicate if your rank is local, regional or national. Discuss
academic, athletic, artistic, musical and other awards.
- A separate sheet on which you have typed your name and a
one-paragraph answer to each of the following questions:
- What mathematical and science experiences have you had (related
courses, individual or group projects, etc.)?
- What is your attitude to the mathematical sciences? Describe
any highlights or disappointments in your mathematical explorations.
- What computer experience do you have (related courses,
languages, software applications and individual projects completed,
etc.)?
- Describe your participation and achievements in projects and
science fairs. Were these team efforts? What role did the other
members play?
- Describe school related activities, clubs, athletics, etc.; your
participation and responsibilities. What non-school activities do you
most enjoy and why?
- Why are you a good candidate for SOAR?
Nami Bland, the SOAR '99 Coordinator, at:
namib@math.toronto.edu
Phone: (416) 978-3472
Fax: (416) 978-4107
This part of the site
maintained by
Nami Bland
Last updated: May 22, 1999
Original Web Site Creator / Mathematical Content Developer:
Philip Spencer
Current Network Coordinator and Contact Person:
Joel Chan - mathnet@math.toronto.edu
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