Ivyclimbers 2024 Fall Courses
Register for Ivyclimbers Fall 2024 Courses
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 learned 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.
The following content will be studied in this course:
- Whole numbers and whole number arithmetic operations.
- Solving challenging word problems using Singapore math model strategies.
- Prime numbers and composite numbers.
- Factors and multiples.
- Fractions and fraction operations.
- Decimals.
- Data organization and graphs.
- Geometric shapes and measurements of perimeter and areas of squares and rectangles.
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: 8/26, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2
Tuition : $600
Course 2 – Challenge Math for Elementary Students -Level II
This course is designed for students in grades 4-6, who seek learning more challenging mathematics content than they typically learned 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.
The following contents will be studied in this course:
Whole numbers and whole number arithmetic operations.
Solving challenging word problems using Singapore math model strategies.
Factors and multiples.
Fractions, fraction operations and challenging word problem solving strategies.
Decimals and the four decimal operations
Ratios, rate, Percentage.
Negative numbers.
Measurements of area, volume, and angles.
Algebra expressions, equations, basic algebra operations and word problem solving with algebra strategies.
Data Analysis and graphs
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
Wednesday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Dates: 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4
Tuition : $600
Pre-Algebra
Course description
This course is recommended for 5th to 6th graders and advance 4th graders who are solid on arithmetic skills. Students will be introduced to integers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratios and proportions, step equations, linear equations and are taught how to solve basic equations using variables. It is designed to prepare students for algebra I course, and master topics required to pass their pre-algebra Credit by Exam.
Textbook: A-Plus Notes for Beginning Algebra: Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1
By Rong Yang – A-Plus Notes for Beginning Algebra: Pre-Algebra and Algebra I: Simple and Easy to Study and Review (2nd Edition) (11/15/02): Amazon.com: Books
Instructor: Dr. Huaijin Zhou
Class Schedule: Tue. 6:00—7:30pm (CT)
Dates: 8/27, 9/3,, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, (12/10 makeup day)
Tuition: $840
AMC 8 Preparation Course
Instructor: Dr. Juanjuan Cao
The AMC 8 is designed to challenge students and encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning. While these topics represent the core of the syllabus, the actual questions on the exam can vary in terms of difficulty and the specific concepts tested. This course prepares students for the AMC 8 through reviewing and practicing past AMC 8 examsand working on problem-solving skills through various math resources. The topics include:
- Arithmetic: whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ration and proportion, exponents
- Algebra: basic algebraic expressions, solving equations, word problems involving algebra
- Geometry: Properties of geometric shapes, perimeter and area, similarity and congruence, coordinate geometry
- Number Theory: prime numbers, divisibility, factors and multiples, and number pattern
- Counting and Probability: counting techniques and probability of events
Lesson duration: The AMC 8 course is a comprehensive 6-week program, with classes held twice a week, for a total of 12 sessions. Each session is 90 minutes long.
Time: every Sunday 7pm – 8:30pm and Wednesday 7pm-8:30pm
Dates: 9/1, 9/4, 9/8, 9/11, 9/15, 9/18, 9/22, 9/25, 9/29, 10/2, 10/6, 10/9
Tuition: $720
AMC 8 Advanced Course
Instructor: Dr. Juanjuan Cao
This advanced course is designed for the students who have had some learning or competition experience of AMC 8. The course covers a wide range of mathematical topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, counting, probability and statistics. This course prepares students for the AMC 8 through reviewing and practicing the first 12 questions from past AMC 10 exams and selected questions from past MATHCOUNTS.
Lesson duration: The AMC 8 Advanced Course is a comprehensive 6-week program, with classes held twice a week for a total of 12 sessions. Each session is 90 minutes long.
Time: every Sunday 7pm – 8:30pm and Wednesday 7pm-8:30pm 10/13/2024-11/20/2024
Tuition: $720
SAT Math Mastery
Instructor: Dr. Juanjuan Cao
The SAT Math Mastery course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel in the Math section of the SAT exam. This comprehensive course covers all topics tested in the SAT Math section, from basic arithmetic to more advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Course Objectives:
This course aims to familiarize students with the format, structure, and types of questions found in the
SAT Math section and to teach effective strategies for tackling various question types, in the meanwhile,
enhance students' confidence and test-taking abilities through targeted instruction and personalized
feedback.
Course Outlines:
- Algebra
- Advanced Math
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Data Analysis and Statistics
Course Materials:
- SAT Math preparation textbook
- Online resources and interactive tools
- Supplemental materials and handouts
Course Duration: The SAT Math course is a comprehensive 12-week program, with classes held once a week for a total of 12 sessions. Each session is 90 minutes long.
Target Audience: This course is ideal for high school students preparing for the SAT exam.
Course Schedule: every Saturday 9-10:30am (CT)
Dates: 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Tuition: $720
Advanced Geometry and Trigonometry
- READING MATERIALS
Sandor Lehoczky / Richard Rusczyk, Art of Problem Solving, vol I and II.
Notes by LL
- COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is the fourth-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 6-9 who understand basic arithmetic and materials in Algebra I, Geometry I, Algebra II. Though accelerated, the materials are aligned with the standard K-12 math curriculum. The instructor will guide them through the textbook and basic problems.
Instructor: Dr. Liping Liu
Time: Wed, 6:30pm-8:00pm CST
Dates: 9/4, 8/11, 9/18, 9/25,10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30,11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/10, 12/17
Tuition: $900
AP Physics 1 – College Board
Instructor: Dr. Juanjuan Cao
College Board AP Physics 1 is designed to introduce students to the principles of algebra-based physics. The course focuses on developing students' understanding of key physics concepts and their ability to apply those concepts to solve problems. The AP Physics 1 exam consists of two main sections:
1). Multiple-Choice Section: This section assesses students' understanding of the course content and their ability to analyze and interpret information;
2). Free-Response Section: This section requires students to apply their knowledge to solve problems and demonstrate their understanding of experimental design. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score Colleges and universities may grant credit or advanced placement to students who earn high scores on the AP Physics 1 exam.
This course prepares students for the AP Physics 1 exam, the topics will cover:
1. Kinematics: Position, velocity, and acceleration, representations of motion
2. Dynamics: systems, the gravitational field, contact forces, Newton’s First Law, Newton’s Third Law
and free-body diagrams, Newton’s Second Law, applications of Newton’s Second Law
3. Circular Motion and Gravitation: gravitational force, gravitational field/acceleration, inertial vs.
gravitational mass, centripetal acceleration vs. centripetal force, uniform circular motion
4. Energy: open and closed systems, energy, work and mechanical energy, conservation of energy, the
work–energy principle, and power
5. Momentum: momentum and impulse, representations of changes in momentum, conservation of
linear momentum
6. Simple Harmonic Motion: period of simple harmonic oscillators, energy of a simple harmonic
oscillator
7. Torque and Rotational Motion: rotational kinematics, torque and angular acceleration, angular
momentum and torque, conservation of angular momentum
Class duration: 14 lessons
Time: every Thursday 7:00pm-8:30pm
Dates: 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12
Tuition: $840
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.
Class Schedule: Sunday 2:30-4:00pm Central Time
Dates: 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition: $840
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.
Class Schedule: Sunday 4:00-5:30pm Central Time
Dates: 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24
Location: Online via Zoom – meeting room information will be sent to students.
Tuition : $840
Pre-AP Chemistry Class
PLAN: 09/07-02/08, 4:00-6:00pm CST on Saturdays.
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: 20 classes, each 2 hours long.
Tuition: $1200
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, a video of previous trial class (~50 minutes) will be offered.
| Class | Topics | Class | Topics |
| 1 | Chapter 1. Measurements and Calculations | 11 | Chapter 9. Energy |
| 2 | Chapter 2. Matter | 12 | Chapter 10. Modern Atomic Theory |
| 3 | Chapter 3. Elements, Atoms, and Ions | 13 | Chapter 11. Chemical Bonding |
| 4 | Chapter 4. Nomenclature | 14 | Chapter 11. Chemical Bonding |
| 5 | Chapter 5. Chemical Reaction | 15 | Chapter 12. Gases |
| 6 | Chapter 6. Reactions in Aqueous Solution | 16 | Chapter 12. Gases |
| 7 | Chapter 7. Chemical Composition | 17 | Chapter 13. Liquids and Solids |
| 8 | Chapter 7. Chemical Composition | 18 | Chapter 14. Solutions |
| 9 | Chapter 8. Chemical Quantities | 19 | Chapter 15. Acids and Bases |
| 10 | Chapter 9. Energy | 20 | Chapter 16. Equilibrium |
AP Chemistry Class 2B
PLAN:
– 2B Fall (20 classes):09/07-02/01. The class time is 6:30-8:30pm (CST) on Saturdays.
2A + 2B = complete AP class
– Tuition $1200
– 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: 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 | ||
|
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 |