Maths Circle ICTS-RRI by Prof. Joseph Samuel

Math Circles are communities which encourage and nurture mathematical talent in children. The idea goes back to Bulgaria (1907) and the Soviet Union (1930). Over the years, math circles have spread over the globe. TIFR in Mumbai has started Math Circles India, which has been functioning online. This brief note describes efforts by International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) and Raman Research Institute (RRI) announcing the commencement of an in-person local chapter in Bangalore to attract mathematically inclined children.

Mathematics can be fun and engaging. As with chess and music, mathematical talent often manifests very early. We hope to spot and nurture such talent in children of school going age by having them interact with researchers in a friendly setting. These events will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays every month, between 10 am - 1 pm, at RRI. Participation is by invitation only.

To receive an invitation, children can take on one of the math challenge (https://www.icts.res.in/explorations) questions and send in a solution, in their own handwriting to show their interest in joining. The activity consists of guided problem solving in a fun setting, with lots of discussion, collaboration and exchange of ideas. The facilitators will only help the discussion along, and not teach and direct. They may provide occasional hints when the discussion stalls.

In the ICTS-RRI Maths Circle, we are less concerned with speed and performance than with enjoyment and exploration. Here is a sample question : On an infinite plane, every point is coloured either red, blue or green. Show that there must be two points, exactly one inch apart, of the same colour.

Figure shows an artistic depiction of the nautilus, a sea creature whose shape is a logarithmic spiral. This figure is supposed to represent mathematics as an abstraction from the real world.

Prof. Joseph Samuel, Simons Visiting Professor, ICTS & Former Faculty, Theoretical Physics, RRI