PRIME FACTOR
Math Circles and School of Programming
PRIME FACTOR
Math Circles and School of Programming
Think creatively
Our elementary school mathematical circles and computer science classes expose kids to the creative side of learning. We encourage curiosity and critical thinking, while consistently promoting the ideas of proof, explanation, and logical reasoning. For those pupils who like to compete in mathematical tournaments, our classes serve as an excellent training ground for competitions like Math Kangaroo. For the past several years, a big share of Math Kangaroo top winners have been Prime Factor students.
Problem-solving
We use visual methods to solve word problems of increasing variety and difficulty, as well as other methods of organizing data for problem solving. These methods are accessible to students, give them remarkably powerful tools, and develops their creative and visual thinking. We introduce equations in addition to this method later in our junior curriculum.
Logic reasoning
Developing of logical thinking and reasoning is a part of our all elementary classes. From solving logical puzzles and analyzing syllogisms, we come to the ideas of formal proof methods in our middle and high school classes.
Number sense and spatial reasoning
While we assume that our students are skilled in their grade level's school curriculum, we push for greater understanding and mastering of these topics. Our geometric and number problems and puzzles, mental math methods, and hands-on explorations develop students' abstract and visual reasoning, and gives them a deeper understanding of school mathematics.
New topics outside school Curriculum
Introducing higher math topics, such as Graph Theory, Fractals, or Binary Numbers makes our lessons exciting and fun. We teach these topics in an engaging way tailored to younger children. Proud of this new knowledge, kids are ready to share it with their parents, siblings and friends of all ages.
Class Sequence
Your student can join our classes at any time. Many students start in the 2nd or 3rd grade, and continue through our class sequence, with each level building on the skills learned in the previous ones.
Our programming sequence starts with the 4-6 grade Scratch class.
Most classes combine students in two grades. Our free placement test helps us find the circle that will best fit your child.
Computer Science
Computing has deep links with mathematics and science. In fact, very similar mindset and a set of skills are needed for a mathematician, a scientist, and a programmer. In the core of this mindset is computational thinking, which is an ability to tackle problems, to break them down into solvable chunks and to devise algorithms to solve them. At Prime Factor, computational thinking comes first: at all our classes, we emphasize algorithmic approach and techniques and methods for solving problems. The first coding class that we offer to our students is “Algorithmic Programming with Scratch Levels 1,2, 3” for grades 4-6, designed for high-performing students. These three 10-week courses teach children how to code and how to create their own programs. We teach through fun and educational projects that use graphics, audio, and game design.
Our Math and Coding classes for Elementary students use hands-on and interactive learning approach
Students in grades 2-4 spend some of the class time working with manipulatives, exploring a new math idea or problem-solving approach through an engaging story, and putting their new knowledge to application in individual and team problem-solving work.
Math and Coding classes for grades 5-6, while providing ample opportunity for hands-on explorations and class discussion, focus more on individual problem-solving and coding skills.
All classes run for 1.5 hours, with breaks, as needed.
The homework is given in each class, and it is dicussed the following week. The math homework assignment vary depending on the class and and provides an opportunity to stimulate creative thinking for the whole family. We encourage parents to help and enjoy the challenge together with our students.