WHAT IS MATH CONNECTIONS?

Math Connections is a weekly after-school program for kids in grades 5-7. In a classroom setting, kids will learn about the connections between math and... everything else! Topics that have been explored in the past include...

Math and Music
Math and Sports
Math and Dinosaurs
Math and Art
Math and Aliens
Math and Feminism
Math and Memes and Global Pandemics

The overarching philosophy of Math Connections is that math is fundamentally a creative pursuit, and kids should be taught to pursue it with a creative mindset.

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OBJECTIVES

Students who enrol in Math Connections will...

Develop an appreciation for the mathematics inherent all around them in the world
Gain exposure to math concepts outside or beyond the scope of the Ontario curriculum
See math as a creative pursuit
Develop a mathematical mindset with which to approach any new challenge or problem,
whether mathematical or not
Join a community of like-minded learners; participate in the community through the sharing of
ideas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO IS IT FOR?

Any student in grades 5-7 with an interest in learning about math and its many connections!

There are no specific registration requirements, grade-based or otherwise. However, it is recommended that interested parents contact us before registering to determine if Math Connections is the right fit for their child.

For example, the program is probably not the best fit for families looking for remedial homework support. However, it may be an excellent fit for students who may not have fallen in love with math yet, but are open to trying something different!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The program costs $30/class + tax, and payment is accepted in blocks. For 2019-20, Block 1 runs from Oct. 2-Dec. 18 (12 weeks), Block 2 runs from Jan. 8-Mar. 4 (9 weeks), and Block 3 runs from Mar. 25-Jun. 17 (13 weeks).

Families who register partway through a block will be responsible for a pro-rated amount depending on the date of registration.

Discounts are available for multiple children in the same family. Registration for a second child costs $25/class, and a third child costs $20/class.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT HELD?

Math Connections is held weekly at the Centre for Social Innovation, at 720 Bathurst Street. The classes are on Wednesday evening, from 6:45-8:15.

WHAT IS THE CLASS SIZE?

The class will be capped at 20 students.

DOES MATH CONNECTIONS FOLLOW THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM?

Many of the mathematical ideas contained in the program are similar to those specified in the provincial curriculum. However, the program is not specifically based on the Ontario curriculum, and is not meant to replace it. As such, we will frequently go outside and in some cases ahead of the regular material.

IS THERE HOMEWORK?

Yes! We firmly believe that students learn concepts best with a mixture of theory and practice. Homework will get students to practice the concepts covered in class, and will also provide opportunities for creative problem-solving.

The homework is estimated to require 1-2 hours per week.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dave Rutt is an Ontario-certified teacher in the Junior/Intermediate/Senior divisions with teaching specialties in math and physics. Mr. Rutt has taught every grade level from 1-12, with a particular focus on enriched math. He has also taught science, physics, chess, programming, and music. Mr. Rutt began his teaching career at an international school in Colombia, followed by stints in Toronto and Ottawa, and is currently a supply teacher in the TDSB. Mr. Rutt is also a musician, writer, and comedian, and loves to mash up math and music both on stage and in the classroom.

Mr. Rutt developed Math Connections at Carleton University in 2017, through the university's Math Enrichment Centre. He has run the program as an independent after-school program in Toronto since 2018.