News Detail

The Right Equation: Fisher Hosts Summer Math Camp

08/15/2012

Ten middle school students from Rochester’s World of Inquiry School, plus two St. John Fisher College graduate students, and a handful of games that tie back to mathematics equal a full two weeks of challenging and rewarding Summer Math Camp at the College.

After several conversations between Dr. Rick DeJesús-Rueff, Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity Initiatives, and Dr. Barney Ricca, Director of the Graduate Program in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, the idea of the program was born. The goal of the program is to strengthen the College’s relationship with the World of Inquiry School and the Integrated Arts and Technology High School in Rochester.

“We focused on math because research indicates that students who complete four years of high school math are more likely to enroll in and graduate from four-year colleges,” said DeJesús-Rueff.

The camp started August 6 and ends on August 17, with challenging two-hour sessions each day. GMST students Jennifer Susa and Jonathan Cotugno worked closely with Rebecca Tiffin, Director of the College’s Math Center, to design lesson plans based on mathematical thinking through game play. Together, they played games such as Mastermind, Crazy Eights, and Left, Center, Right, among others. Students also spent time with Dr. DeJesús-Rueff, as he led sessions about pursuing college, teamwork, and supporting classmates through challenging situations.