Ivyclimbers 2023 Summer Courses
Register for Ivyclimbers Summer 2023 Courses
Prealgebra
This course prepares students for middle school math contests such as MathCounts and AMC8. It challenges students at a much deeper level than a traditional middle school prealgebra course. This course benefits students in 4~6 grades through teaching them a variety of problem-solving strategies
The instructor has many years of experience in teaching this course to large number of students cross Houston area. The students expect to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and get ready for higher level math course.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Juanjuan Cao
TEXTBOOK: Prealgebra – Art of Problem Solving and Solution Manual
LOCATION: Online Via Zoom
Topics of Session #1:
- Properties of Arithmetic
- Exponents
- Number Theory
- Fractions
- Equations and Inequalities
HOURS: 18 classes, each 1.5 hours.
Tuition: $990
Class Schedule: Thursday, Sunday 6:00pm-7:30pm CST
Dates: 07/06, 07/09, 07/13, 07/16, 07/20, 07/23, 07/27, 07/30, 08/03, 08/06, 08/10, 08/13, 08/20, 08/27,
09/03, 09/10, 09/17, 09/24
Topics of Session #2:
- Decimals
- Ratios, Conversions, and Rates
- Percents
- Square Roots
- Angles
HOURS: 18 classes, each 1.5 hours.
Tuition: $990
Class Schedule: Thursday, Sunday 7:30pm-9:00pm CST
Dates: 07/06, 07/09, 07/13, 07/16, 07/20, 07/23, 07/27, 07/30, 08/03, 08/06, 08/10, 08/13, 08/20, 08/27,
09/03, 09/10, 09/17, 09/24
Topics of Session #3:
- Perimeter and Area
- Right Triangles and Quadrilaterals
- Data and Statistics
- Counting
- Problem-Solving Strategies
HOURS: 18 classes, each 1.5 hours.
Tuition: $990
Class Schedule: TBD
Course Descriptions and details are at www.ivyclimbers.com
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Math Course 1 – Challenge Math for Elementary Students -Level I
This course is designed for students in grades 2-4, who seek learning more challenging mathematics content than they typically encountered in their math classroom, and who would like to build up a solid problem-solving foundation for future math competitions. The content will be organized to emphasize on the proper implementation of the Common core mathematic standards, focusing on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and real-world applications to inspire students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics. Brain-teasing patterns, sequences, and puzzles with numbers, shapes and figures, number sense and speed math skills and some mathematic contest (Math Kangaroo, AMC8 and others) level problems are included. This course will not only enhance students understanding of mathematical concepts but will also inspire students’ interest in mathematic through solving challenging questions of varying levels of difficulty and type.
Teacher – Dr. Shu Feng
Monday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Dates: 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31,8/7
Tuition : $400
Course Descriptions and details are at www.ivyclimbers.com
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Math Course 2 – Challenge Math for Elementary Students -Level II
This course is designed for students in grades 5-6, who seek learning more challenging mathematics content than they typically encountered in their math classroom, and who would like to build up a solid problem-solving foundation for future math competitions. The content will be organized to emphasize on the proper implementation of the Common core mathematic standards, focusing on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and real-world applications to inspire students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics. Brain-teasing patterns, sequences, and puzzles with numbers, shapes and figures, number sense and speed math skills and some mathematic contest (Math Kangaroo, AMC8 and others) level problems involving fraction, decimal, percent, ratio and probability, data analysis, algebra, and Geometry are included. This course will lead the students to take the challenge! – Not only deepens students understanding of mathematical concepts, but also inspire students’ interest through solving challenging and thought-provoking problems.
Teacher – Dr. Shu Feng
Wednesday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Dates: 5/31,6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2
Tuition : $400
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)-Algebra I
COURSE DESCRIPTION – This is the first-semester course of the AMC trilogy: Algebra, Geometry and Discrete Math. The three-year accelerated program is for talented students who are strongly interested in Mathematics or STEM in general and would like to challenge themselves in the arena of mathematics.
The course is suitable for talented students from grade 4-6 who understand basic arithmetic. Though accelerated, the materials are aligned with the standard K-12 math curriculum. The instructor will guide them through the textbook and basic problems.
The course should be supplemented with problem-solving sessions (guided or self-study), and continued by Geometry I.
Instructor: Dr. Liping Liu
Class Schedule: M,W,F: 6:30pm-8:00pm CST,
Dates: 6/26, 6/28, 6/30, 7/10, 7/12, 7/14, 7/17, 7/18, 7/21, 7/24, 7/26, 7/28, 7/31, 8/14, 8/16 (total 15 classes)
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition: $900
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
READING MATERIALS
Sandor Lehoczky / Richard Rusczyk, Art of Problem Solving, vol I and II.
Lecture notes by the instructors
AMC 10/12 Competition Preparation
The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 is one of the most prestigious high school Math competitions in the USA and the world. This course prepares student for the AMC 10 examination through students mastering problem-solving techniques and skills for the AMC 10 in Algebra, Counting, Geometry, or Number Theory. The course will cover the whole contest curriculum.
Instructor: Dr. Luyan Wang
Class Schedule: Saturday 6:00-7:30 pm Central Time
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Dates: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12
Tuition : $600
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
English Course 1 – Upper-Level Literature Seminar: Summer 2023
This course offers an intensive study of literature, training students in close reading, analytical response, and contextualization. Students will analyze major genres of fiction, poetry, drama, and research. The strategies studied in this course will strengthen student performance for academic work while deepening their appreciation of literature. This course will utilize an online repository containing a diverse reading list with guided practice for literary analysis and discussion. The instructor will also forecast and guide students in preparation for college-level study and response to texts. Throughout the course, students will practice critical thinking, synthesis, literary analysis, rhetorical analysis, comparative analysis, and causal analysis by interpreting and researching the literature. These skills will be demonstrated and developed by writing, and assignments will be customized to challenge all students. Course readings will be new selections for this seminar; first-time and returning students are welcome. This course is suitable for committed students in 7th – 11th grade levels.
Teacher : Professor Haley Stoner
Class Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday 5:30-7pm
Dates : 7/6, 7/11, 7/13, 7/18, 7/25, 7/27, 8/1, 8/3, 8/8, 8/10
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Course Material : To be announced.
Class Tuition: $600
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
English Course 2 – English Studies: Young Writers Seminar – Summer 2023
In this course, students will complete themed units and an exploration of genres, demonstrating skills through focused discussion and written response. Diagnostics at the beginning of the course will facilitate individualized instruction, and the small class size will offer an intensive environment designed to challenge each student. Grammar, diction, structure, mechanics, style, vocabulary, and revision will be practiced through guided composition. Students will engage with a free, online repository of texts through Common Lit to analyze the language and deepen multi-layered interpretive skills for reading. Short stories and nonfiction pieces will be assigned by the instructor based on student reading level and interest. In emphasizing hallmarks of effective communication, this seminar gives students a competitive edge for all coursework. New texts will be selected for this seminar; new and returning students are welcome. This course is suitable for committed students in 4th-6th grade levels.
Teacher : Professor Haley Stoner
Class Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday 4:30-5:30pm
Dates : 7/6, 7/11, 7/13, 7/18, 7/25, 7/27, 8/1, 8/3, 8/8, 8/10
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Course Material : To be announced.
Class Tuition: $400
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
SAT Prep Course
Course Description:
Students will enroll in their level. This online interactive course will focus on the SAT’s Reading/Writing portions with weekly homework assignments. Students will receive the opportunity to learn testing strategies and end this course with a strong command of the SAT test and grammar by practicing previous exams and reviewing tips and tricks. We will analyze our results and delve into the reasoning behind the correct answers. In addition, students will understand reading and writing objectives designed in group activities and assignments to deepen their knowledge about the content. In this course, I will use varied texts and vocabulary lists to understand grammatical components in the English language supporting the SAT design and requirements. In all, this comprehensive course will provide individualized and group instruction to tailor students’ needs and improve test scores.
Instructor: Dr. Belle Wang
Class Schedule: TBD
Dates : TBD
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition: $600
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Course 1: Introductory Java Programming – Introduction to AP CS-A Java
Instructor: Dr. Karpoor Shashidhar
In this course, we will explore the basics of programming in the Java language. This course should prepare you for the AP Computer Science A exam. Some topics we will study include Variables and Operators, Input and Output, Methods, Conditionals and Logic, Loops, Arrays, Strings, brief Overview of Objects and Classes etc. We will also immerse ourselves in the mechanics of programming – running, testing, and debugging. The book we will be using for the course is “Think Java, How to Think Like a Computer Scientist” by Allen Downey and Chris Mayfield. This class is suitable for students in grades 7-11. Previous experience in computer science is not required.
Objectives: Our course for middle school and high school students exposes them to introductory and intermediate computer science concepts to build a foundation for further studies and exploration of computer science.
- This course will prepare you for the AP Computer Science A exam.
- This course will prepare you with essential programming tools and data analysis techniques that can be applied to individual research projects. This will strengthen your application to highly selective academic enrichment programs.
- Students who are interested in preparing for local and national competitions, including the USA Computing Olympiad. Students who gain the ability and knowledge to succeed in these competitions are successful in applications to selective universities and are well prepared for internships at leading technology companies.
Sunday 2:30-4:00pm Central Time
Dates: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition : $600
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Course 2: Introduction to Python – Introductory Python Programming
Instructor: Dr. Karpoor Shashidhar
In this course, we will explore the basics of programming in the Python language. Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability and is a fun and awesome first language to learn. We start off with basic concepts of programming. Some topics we will study include Variables and Operators, Input and Output, Functions, Conditionals and Logic, Loops, Strings, brief Overview of Objects and Classes etc. We will also immerse ourselves in the mechanics of programming – running, testing, and debugging. The book we will be using for the course is “Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist” by Allen Downey. This class is suitable for students in grades 7-11. Previous experience in computer science is not required.
Objectives
Our course for middle school and high school students exposes them to introductory and intermediate computer science concepts to build a foundation for further studies and exploration of computer science.
- This course will prepare you with essential programming tools and data analysis techniques that can be applied to individual research projects. This will strengthen your application to highly selective academic enrichment programs.
- Students who are interested in automating mundane tasks can do so effectively with Python, which is a fast, scripting, prototyping language.
- Students who are interested in preparing for local and national competitions.
- Students who gain the ability and knowledge to succeed in these competitions are successful in applications to selective universities and are well prepared for internships at leading technology companies.
Class Schedule: Sunday 4:00-5:30pm Central Time
Dates: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition : $600
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Summer Chemistry Class – Pre-AP Chemistry
PLAN: 10am-12noon EST on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 6/26-8/5, with two possible makeups on Aug. 7 and 9.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENS: Suitable for students who have not taken any chemistry before and are not taking AP Chemistry at school. It supplies the fundamental information about topics that will be covered in AP chemistry. After completing this class, students will have a solid foundation for taking AP Chemistry.
HOURS: 18 classes, each 2 hours long.
Tuition: $990
TEXTBOOK: An ebook will be supplied. Students are welcome to buy the hard copy.
INSTRUCTIONS: The class will be taught remotely using ZOOM. If you will be absent, please let me know in advance. I can provide a recording of the class to help catch up.
TESTS: There are five exams and students will take them out of the classroom and we will go over during the lecture.
TRIAL: Upon request, an video of previous trial class (~50 minutes) will be offered.
| Class | Topics | Class | Topics |
| 1 | Chapter 1. Measurements and Calculations | 10 | Chapter 9. Energy |
| 2 | Chapter 2. Matter | 11 | Chapter 10. Modern Atomic Theory |
| 3 | Chapter 3. Elements, Atoms, and Ions | 12 | Chapter 11. Chemical Bonding |
| 4 | Chapter 4. Nomenclature | 13 | Chapter 11. Chemical Bonding |
| 5 | Chapter 5. Chemical Reaction | 14 | Chapter 12. Gases |
| 6 | Chapter 6. Reactions in Aqueous Solution | 15 | Chapter 13. Liquids and Solids |
| 7 | Chapter 7. Chemical Composition | 16 | Chapter 14. Solutions |
| 8 | Chapter 7. Chemical Composition | 17 | Chapter 15. Acids and Bases |
| 9 | Chapter 8. Chemical Quantities | 18 | Chapter 15. Acids and Bases |
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Summer Chemistry Class : AP Chemistry Class 1A+1B
Note : AP-1 and AP-2 (class listed below) cover the same material. The only difference is the schedule.
PLAN: This class is divided into two parts:
– 1A Summer (21 classes): it starts from June 12 and ends on August 4. The class will be held 7:30-9:30pm EST on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. There are 24 classes arranged and 3 will be canceled based on teacher’s travel plan. In addition, one-hour free Q/A session per week will be offered.
– 1B Fall (14 classes): It starts from September 10 to December 17. The class time is 7:30-9:30pm (EST) on Sundays.
– Tuition: Students can register 1A alone Tuition $1470, or 1A+1B with 2 free classes Tuition $2310.
– A separate AP Exam Review class (10 classes) will be offered in the middle of February for those who will take AP Exam in May. The review will focus on how to answer Free-Response-Questions (FRQ), based on my experience as AP Chemistry Exam Reader.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: Suitable for students who will start AP Chemistry in the fall. Since we start earlier in summer, our pace is faster than that at school. Students will have more opportunity to digest information and then better performance. Many of our former students got into National Exam at USNCO, without special preparation, and a few even got into national top 150. During 2017-2020, 60% of our students got 5 in AP and 30% of them got 4.
HOURS: 35 classes overall and 2 hours each class.
TEXTBOOK: An ebook will be supplied. Students are welcome to buy the hard copy.
INSTRUCTIONS: The class will be taught remotely using ZOOM. If you will be absent, please let me know in advance. I can provide a recording of the class to help catch up. It is possible for local students to be in person.
TESTS: There are seven exams and students will take them out of the classroom and we will go over during the lecture.
TRIAL: Upon request, an video of previous trial class (~40 minutes) will be offered.
| Topics | ||
|
1A |
1 | Chapter 1. Chemical Foundations |
| 2 | Chapter 2. Atoms, Molecules, and Ions | |
| 3 | Chapter 3. Stoichiometry | |
| 4 | Chapter 4. Types of Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry | |
| 5 | Chapter 5. Gases | |
| 6 | Chapter 6. Thermochemistry | |
| 7 | Chapter 7. Atomic Structure and Periodicity | |
| 8 | Chapter 8. Bonding: General Concepts | |
| 9 | Chapter 9. Covalent Bonding: Orbitals | |
| 10 | Chapter 10. Liquids and Solids | |
| 11 | Chapter 11. Properties of Solutions / Review 10-11 | |
|
1B |
12 | Chapter 12. Chemical Kinetics |
| 13 | Chapter 13. Chemical Equilibrium / Review 12-13 | |
| 14 | Chapter 14. Acids and Bases | |
| 15 | Chapter 15. Applications of Aqueous Equilibria | |
| 16 | Chapter 16. Spontaneity, Entropy, and Free Energy | |
| 17 | Chapter 17. Electrochemistry |
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Summer Chemistry Class : AP Chemistry Class 2A+2B
Note : AP-1 (class listed above) and AP-2 cover the same material. The only difference is the schedule.
PLAN: This class is divided into two parts:
2A Summer (15 classes): it starts from July 25 and ends on September 2. The class will be held 7:30-9:30pm EST on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. There are 18 classes arranged and 3 will be canceled based on teacher’s travel plan. In addition, one hour free Q/A session per week will be offered.
2B Fall (20 classes): It starts from September 9 to February 2. The class time is 7:30-9:30pm (EST) on Saturdays.
– Students can register 2A alone Tuition $1050, or 2A+2B with 2 free classes Tuition$2310.
-A separate AP Exam Review class (10 classes) will be offered in the middle of February for those who will take AP Exam in May. The review will focus on how to answer Free-Response-Questions (FRQ), based on my experience as AP Chemistry Exam Reader.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: Suitable for students who will start AP Chemistry in the fall. Since we start earlier in summer, our pace is faster than that at school. Students will have more opportunity to digest information and then better performance. Many of our former students got into National Exam at USNCO, without special preparation, and a few even got into national top 150. During 2017-2020, 60% of our students got 5 in AP and 30% of them got 4.
HOURS: 35 classes overall and 2 hours each class.
TEXTBOOK: An ebook will be supplied. Students are welcome to buy the hard copy.
INSTRUCTIONS: The class will be taught remotely using ZOOM. If you will be absent, please let me know in advance. I can provide a recording of the class to help catch up. It is possible for local students to be in person.
TESTS: There are seven exams and students will take them out of the classroom and we will go over during the lecture.
TRIAL: Upon request, an video of previous trial class (~40 minutes) will be offered.
| Topics | ||
|
2A |
1 | Chapter 1. Chemical Foundations |
| 2 | Chapter 2. Atoms, Molecules, and Ions | |
| 3 | Chapter 3. Stoichiometry | |
| 4 | Chapter 4. Types of Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry | |
| 5 | Chapter 5. Gases | |
| 6 | Chapter 6. Thermochemistry | |
| 7 | Chapter 7. Atomic Structure and Periodicity | |
|
2B |
8 | Chapter 8. Bonding: General Concepts |
| 9 | Chapter 9. Covalent Bonding: Orbitals | |
| 10 | Chapter 10. Liquids and Solids | |
| 11 | Chapter 11. Properties of Solutions / Review 10-11 | |
| 12 | Chapter 12. Chemical Kinetics | |
| 13 | Chapter 13. Chemical Equilibrium / Review 12-13 | |
| 14 | Chapter 14. Acids and Bases | |
| 15 | Chapter 15. Applications of Aqueous Equilibria | |
| 16 | Chapter 16. Spontaneity, Entropy, and Free Energy | |
| 17 | Chapter 17. Electrochemistry |
* AP-1 and AP-2 cover the same topic. The only difference is the schedule.
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!
Summer Chemistry Class CLASS: US National Chemistry Olympiad A+B
PLAN:
This class includes two parts:
A (20 classes in summer): Review topics taught in AP, teach topics skipped in AP, practice local exams from past years, go through most important topics in Organic Chemistry.
Classes will be 7:30-9:30pm EST on Saturdays and Sundays between June 17 and July 22 and on Fridays and Sundays between July 30 and September 3. A few extra classes are planned and will be canceled based on the travel plan. Each week, one lecture is about organic chemistry and the other is about the USNCO.
B (20 classes in Fall): Study a list of selected topics from Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Polymer and practice USNCO National Exams.
Classes will be 7:30-9:30pm EST on Fridays, between September 8 and February 2.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: Suitable for motivated students who have completed AP Chemistry with 5 and are willing to commit time and efforts for USNCO. Over the last 3-4 years, we have had many students qualified for National Exam and more than ten got USNCO High Honor Award (nationally top 1-50), USNCO Honor Award (nationally top 51-150), Honorable mentioned (nationally top 151-200), as well as USNCO summer camp (top 20) and won IChO Gold and Bronze Medal.
HOURS: 40 classes. 2 hours each class. Register A+B with 2 free classes.
Tuition: Class A – $1500 per student. Class B – $1500 per student. Class A&B, with 2 free classes $3000 per student
INSTRUCTIONS: The class will be taught remotely using ZOOM. If one will be absent, please let me know in advance. I can supply the video for catching up.
| Class | Topics |
| 1-10 | General Chemistry Topics and Topics 1-9 in Local Exams |
| 11-20 | Selective Topics |
| 20-27 | Topic 10 in Local Exam and Part I in National Exams |
| 28-35 | Part II in National Exams |
| 37-40 | Part III in National Exams |
Payment Details:-Payment may be made by Zelle Quick Pay to ivyclimbers@gmail.com
-Payment may also be made via Zellid to @ivyclimbers828
Please include your students name in the payment memo!