SchoolNova at Stony Brook University is offering free math and physics clubs this fall, giving students from elementary through high school the chance to improve problem-solving skills and explore advanced topics outside the traditional school-based classroom.
Founded in 2004, SchoolNova is a weekend enrichment program that has grown to serve nearly 500 students each year, offering in-person and online courses in mathematics, science, languages and art. Its instructors include Stony Brook University professors, scientists and educators with advanced degrees.
The free math and physics clubs offered by SchoolNova are designed to challenge students and prepare them for national competitions while building a community of like-minded peers.
“Understanding the foundations of physics and mathematics allows us to engage with the world in a rational, critical, and first-principles way,” said Zohar Komargodski, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy and faculty in the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics, as well as a SchoolNova parent. “SchoolNova provides a framework to learn the core ideas of mathematics and physics, which provide the tools we need to navigate the modern world.”
All high school students in the community are eligible to participate in the Advanced Math Problem-Solving Club and the Advanced Physics Club, free of charge. The Advanced Math Problem-Solving Club meets in person and focuses on Olympiad-style problems, preparing students for contests such as the AMC 8, AMC 10/12 and AIME. Each year, several SchoolNova students qualify for AIME, with some advancing further.
The Advanced Physics Club, held online, prepares students for Olympiad-level physics challenges with guidance from Stony Brook faculty and graduate students. Clubs are 90 minutes long, with 25 sessions during the year, and are open to all motivated students who commit to attending regularly. Enrollment in other SchoolNova courses is not required.
Middle and elementary school students who are currently enrolled in SchoolNova math or physics courses also have opportunities to participate, with a middle school physics club (in person) and math clubs (online) free of charge. Elementary and middle school online math clubs offer small group sizes to allow for individual attention.
The clubs complement SchoolNova’s Sunday courses, which include multiple levels of math and science, foreign languages and art. The program also hosts competitions such as Math Kangaroo, PhysicsBowl and the American Mathematics Competition.
Registration for SchoolNova’s 22nd year is now open, with classes beginning September 14. For more information about courses, clubs and competitions, visit schoolnova.org.
Add comment