Advanced Math Research

Introduction to AMR

Community-based Research in Mathematics is one course in Breck’s Advanced Research program. Through the course, students learn how to partner with community-based organizations in ways that are respectful, reciprocal, and just; apply mathematical concepts to important, meaningful, and relevant real-world problems; do social science research with people, organizations, and/or communities to contribute a common understanding of how and why things work; and organize and execute a collaborative research project. Students work in groups with a local non-profit or community organization to further the client’s mission, collaborating to identify an area of inquiry. They then determine appropriate research and analytical methods, gather data, and analyze results in order to make specific recommendations. Students present their process and projects in a variety of ways throughout the course, including an impact report and a presentation at the school research symposium. Students may also present their findings to community and school-based audiences. 

Apply to AMR

Department approval based on application, recommendations and interview. Minimum Course Prerequisite: Completion of Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry; Introduction to Statistics and Probability; or Honors Trigonometry, Precalculus, and Statistics. AP Statistics is strongly encouraged.  (May Program, summer and year-long course)

Email Dr. Kallio & Ms. Tepp

Course Objectives

Through this course, students will learn how to
 
  1. partner with community-based organizations in ways that are respectful, reciprocal, and just,
  2. apply mathematical concepts to important, meaningful, and relevant real-world problems,
  3. implement social science research with people, organizations, and/or communities to contribute a common understanding of how and why things work, and
  4. organize and execute a collaborative research project.

2021-2022 Advanced Math Research Projects

Five Advanced Math Research Projects were submitted for the 2021-2022 school year. Each group used the lens of mathematics to empower youth to take a deep dive into social justice issues. Contemporary topics in mathematics such as nontraditional data analysis, indices of power, and modeling individualized projects pair stories of systemic racism, economic justice, food and housing challenges, education equity, public health, civil rights and more with actionable analytical techniques to facilitate change. Read more about each AMR project below.