University of Oregon

Eugene Math Circle

Eugene Math Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Math Circle?

The Eugene Math Circle is a vibrant program for students who are passionate about mathematics and science. We welcome young minds from all backgrounds who are eager to explore the beauty and excitement of mathematics beyond the traditional classroom.

In our weekly gatherings, students discover:

Our mission is to:

Guided by experienced mathematicians and educators, our students develop critical thinking skills, mathematical intuition, and problem-solving abilities that will serve them well in any future path—whether as mathematicians, scientists, engineers, or leaders in other fields.

What should I bring?

Can I join the Math Circle mid-year?

Definitely apply! You are welcome to join at any time provided there is space and the consecutive lessons are independent of each other (as is often the case in Upper Division classes). Otherwise, you'll be put on the waiting list for the next term. We love to meet new people interested in math!

I didn't quite understand everything at the last session. Should I keep coming anyway?

Absolutely! As many practicing research mathematicians will tell you, it often takes several years to become an experienced problem solver. It's completely fine (and expected) if you need to see a particular topic or discuss a particular idea several times before it starts to make sense. Keep in mind that the material discussed in EMC sessions is advanced and non-traditional.

How can parents help with the EMC?

Parents can contribute to our community in several ways:

Your support helps us maintain our commitment to making mathematics education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Recommended Books

There are many great books we can recommend, here are some of them:

Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience

Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience book cover

Authors: Dmitri Fomin, Sergey Genkin, and Ilia V. Itenberg

Published by: American Mathematical Society

A unique exploration of mathematical circles that demonstrates how mathematics can generate enthusiasm similar to team sports.

Purchase

Math Circle by the Bay Topics for Grades 1-5

Math Circle by the Bay book cover

Authors: Laura Givental, Maria Nemirovskaya, Ilya Zakharevich

Published by: American Mathematical Society

A comprehensive guide for math circle instructors and enthusiasts, featuring a logical sequence of problems and insights into mathematical thinking for elementary school students.

Purchase

A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle (Volume I)

Berkeley Math Circle Decade Volume I book cover

Edited by: Zvezdelina Stankova and Tom Rike

Published by: A co-publication of the AMS and Mathematical Sciences Research Institute

A pioneering exploration of mathematical topics, problem-solving techniques, and mathematical thinking for young mathematicians.

Purchase

A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle (Volume II)

Berkeley Math Circle Decade Volume II book cover

Edited by: Zvezdelina Stankova and Tom Rike

Published by: A co-publication of the AMS and Mathematical Sciences Research Institute

Continuation of the first volume, featuring advanced mathematical topics and problem-solving techniques.

Purchase

Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 1 book cover

Author: Anna Burago

Description: Complete Curriculum for Grades 5 to 7

A comprehensive guide for mathematical education and problem-solving for middle school students.

Purchase

Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 2

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 2 book cover

Author: Anna Burago

Description: Complete Curriculum for Grades 6 to 8

Continuation of the mathematical education and problem-solving curriculum for middle school students.

Purchase

Murderous Math

Murderous Mathr

Author: Kjartan Poskitt

Description: Entertaining series that offers a great overview of mathematics for advanced elementary and middle school students with humor and enjoyment.

Purchase

Geometry in Problems (MSRI Mathematical Circles Library)

Geometry

Author: A. Shen

Description: Almost self-contained introduction to geometry through problem solving for advanced middle and high school students.

The book contains more than 750 (mostly) easy but nontrivial problems in all areas of plane geometry and solutions for most of them, as well as additional problems for self-study.

Purchase

Hexaflexagons, Probability Paradoxes, and the Tower of Hanoi

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 2 book cover

Author: Martin Gardner

Description: First volume in The New Martin Gardner Mathematical Library series.

Any Martin Gardner's book provides fantastic introduction to recreational math. This one is for advanced middle and high school students; others might be good for elementary school students too.

Purchase

Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75 1/4 Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games―And Why They Matter

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 2 book cover

Author: Ben Orlin

Description: An extensive collection of mathematical games that require only paper and pencil (and occasional handful of coins).

Purchase

The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical Recreations

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 2 book cover

Author: Boris Kordemsky

Description: A great assortment of mathematical puzzles for all ages.

Purchase

What Is the Name of This Book?: The Riddle of Dracula and Other Logical Puzzles

Mathematical Circle Diaries Year 2 book cover

Author: R. Smullyan

Description: Collection of more than 200 increasingly complex problems: from relatively simple puzzles to puzzles that delve into Gödel's undecidability theorem and other examples of paradoxes of logic and set theory.

Purchase

Support Young Mathematicians

Your donation helps us maintain affordable tuition and provide scholarships to ensure the Math Circle remains accessible to all students.

Support the Math Circle