We welcome all 6–12th graders with an interest in math and who enjoy learning new ideas through interactive exploration! The sessions cover novel and entertaining uses of math. They are not a continuation of the usual school curriculum, so no particular prior knowledge is needed.

Light snacks will be served.

Sessions are held periodically from October 11, 2026 – Sunday, Apr 18, 2027.

Registration

Please email mathcircle@vcu.edu to register (include name, grade, and school). This is a free event and you may sign up any time for any of our sessions! Further information will be emailed to those registered shortly before the meeting. If needed.

After registering, parents should fill out this form for the student to bring to your first session: Permission Form

Sunday, October 11

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Faculty Leader

Dr. Hudson Lafayette

Topic

The Game of Nim!

Synopsis:

The scientific method can sound stiff or overly formal when you first learn it in school:

1. A problem gets handed to you
2. You make a hypothesis
3. You test it
4. You draw conclusions
5. You tweak your hypothesis and try again

But in real life, this process is actually super natural—something you already do without thinking. In this activity, you’ll use an ancient math strategy game to see just how intuitive the scientific method really is. As you play, you’ll experiment, make guesses, test ideas, and refine your thinking. Before you know it, you’ll be using the scientific method the same way mathematicians and scientists do—by exploring, noticing patterns, and leveling up your approach!