Math Pirates (Teen Math Club)

Math Pirates is Compass’s student-led teen math club…but walking the plank is not part of the equation!

About
The Math Pirates club meets bi-weekly to explore math topics, to complete math challenge problems and puzzles, and to prepare for the math competitions they select. Specific club activities will be tailored to the interests of the members but may include videos or speaker presentations on math concepts and practice contest exams. At meetings, students will be invited to select a math concept to investigate and share with the group through an activity, video, or just a problem on the board. The club may chose to organize math-themed fundraisers (such as a pie sale for Pi Day- March 14) to earn money for their math contests or decide to sponsor STEM-themed activities for younger students.

Eligibility
To be eligible, club members must be:

  • Homeschooled*
  • Age 13 and above
  • Have completed Algebra I
  • From Metro DC (northern Virginia, DC, or Maryland)

*Participants may be asked to provide evidence of good standing as homeschoolers with their county’s current year acknowledgement/receipt of Notice of Intent and Evidence of Progress. Enrollment in Compass classes is not a requirement.

Meetings
Club members will meet in person on alternate Fridays from 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm at Compass in Herndon. Meetings may occasionally extend 15-30 minutes to complete practice exams or competition exams.

Calendar
See the Compass calendar for meeting days.

Math Competitions
Student members will vote on which math competitions to pursue for the year from among the following or others that may be identified. Several of the math exams will be online for 2021, and students will need laptop computers to participate.

  • AMC 10/12
    –Description: The AMC 10/12 provides an opportunity for high school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad.
    –Date: TBD
    –Format: 25 multiple choice questions
    –Duration: 75 minutes
    –Age/Level: AMC10: high school curriculum up to 10th grade or AMC12: high school curriculum up to 12th grade including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry but excluding calculus.
    –Entry Fee: $46.00 school registration (shared) plus $21.00 per student.
    –Recognitions: Students who score well are invited to join to AIME which is the first in a series of competitions that lead to the International Mathematical Olympiad.
    –Competition website
  • Caribou Contests
    –Description: an originally Canadian competition featuring fun math and logic puzzles. Designed to be interactive, all tests are online, and results are released on the evening after the test.
    –Date: TBD
    –Format: 12-15 questions
    –Duration: 50 minutes
    –Age/Level: 2nd-12th grade
    –Entry Fee: $19.00 per student
    –Recognitions: Cash prizes for top-scoring students
    –Competition website
  • TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science)
    –Description: TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) is an annual STEM competition that challenges middle school and high school student teams to work collaboratively to solve real-world engineering challenges, applying their math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways.
    –Date: TBD
    –Format: 3-stage competition includes Design/Build (engineering challenge), Multiple Choice (40 questions), and Essay (researched and written prior to competition)
    –Duration: 90 minutes (for multiple choice stage)
    –Age/Level: High school
    –Entry Fee: $150 per team of 2-4 students
    –Recognitions: Awards for top scoring teams
    –Competition website
  • Math Kangaroo
    –Description: The Math Kangaroo Competition is an international, once a year event, always on the third Thursday in March. The test is designed to be challenging and interesting, but grade accurate.
    –Date: TBD
    –Format: 30 questions
    –Duration: 75 minutes
    –Age/Level: 1st-12th grade
    –Entry Fee: $21.00 per student (Financial assistance may be available.)
    –Recognitions: Prizes ranging from books to college grants
    –Competition website

Join
Sign up for the Math Pirates club through the the Compass Activity Fees page. There is a $15.00 membership fee for Compass students for supplies and a $30.00 membership fee for non-Compass students for supplies plus a facilities fee. Individual and team registration fees for specific math competitions will be paid individually by participating students.

Competitions Only
Students who are interested in taking the AMC10, AMC12, Caribou Contest, or Math Kangaroo at Compass individually, without being part of the Math Pirates club, should watch for separate announcements about registration for these tests.

Contact
Additional questions about Math Club can be directed to compassmathclub@gmail.com