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The Mathematical Sciences Institute

Surround yourself with fellow math lovers at this festival of mathematics!

“At GIV I was constantly surrounded by opportunities to expand my knowledge and by people who were aiming to do just that. I felt a sense of community that I had never felt before, a feeling that my lifelong interest really does serve a purpose in the world. I was made quickly aware that I was not alone in my love for math.”

Summer 2024 dates and information coming soon!

About the Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Mathematical Sciences Institute...

Do you love math?

This summer, surround yourself with fellow math-lovers at The Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Governor’s Institute on Mathematical Sciences! You’ll explore theoretical and real-world applications of mathematics as you take on world-class challenges with other young Vermont mathematicians. Enjoy advanced lectures, discover exciting careers, and revel in all the things that make math so much fun!

This Institute is named after its two visionary founders, renowned Vermont mathematicians Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono.

Summer 2024 dates and information coming soon!

For information regarding tuition, please click here.

Math Student Showing Equations 2023

At This Institute You Will...

  • Take on advanced math challenges and puzzles that will keep mathematicians awake at night!
  • Explore hands-on practical applications of math.
  • Network with professional mathematicians.
  • Learn about the academic and career pathways open to people who enjoy mathematics.
  • Celebrate the ways math can help us understand our surroundings.
  • Make lifelong friends with peers who share your interests.
  • Have the time of your life!

Experience the vibe at the Mathematical Sciences Institute!

Check out photos from the Summer 2023 session below…

View the full album and download photos by clicking here.

Note: This album is arranged in chronological order as events took place throughout the Institute.

Video recap from the Institute coming soon!

Unique Aspects of this Institute...

Mathematical Sciences is the only GIV Institute that asks students to submit relevant math coursework and grades when applying.

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are equally welcome to apply. Students are recommended to have some background and high marks in math courses, such as algebra, geometry, statistics, calculus, or trigonometry.

Mathematical Sciences is also the only GIV Institute that currently welcomes returning students to attend multiple years.

Math 2022

Attending this Institute can earn you credit and proficiencies!

How To Get High School Credit

We encourage all students who participate in an Institute to use the experience to earn high school credit.

Awarding high school credit is at the discretion of the student’s sending school, so we recommend students make a plan with their high school guidance counselor before attending GIV to earn their credit.

Each school has unique requirements around proficiencies, credits, and PLPs, so there are multiple pathways to awarding credit based on your school's system of assessments.

However, we recommend that high schools award credit by having students produce one or more of the following...
- A presentation to reflect on the overall experience to present for counselors and/or teachers in the fall after their participation.
- A learning journal for submission about areas of learning, activities, reflections.
- Work examples to share with sending school teachers (physical or digital products, writing, videos of presentations, learning journal, etc.) to be reviewed and assessed.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if we can directly help or support you or your school in determining credit opportunities for your experience at GIV.

Curriculum Format

1-week intensive
Several lectures, presentations, and activities each day around different mathematical topics
Excursions into community for workshops and learning on location
Students work independently and in teams on projects
Epic nightly games, including board games, trivia, logic puzzles, and math challenges
The “Amazing Race” tradition with an epic math challenge all around UVM campus
Community of like-minded mathematical thinkers
Dormitories and roommates
9:1 student-to-staff ratio

Curriculum Topics

Applied physics
Prediction, statistics, & probability
Artificial intelligence technology
Quantum physics
Data science
Computational science
Economics and social sciences
and more!

Hours and Opportunities

50+ hours of mathematical science training
Connections/collaborations with UVM college professors
College admissions support
Resume-building
Supportive atmosphere of inspiration and knowledge

High School Credit Recommendations

Equivalent to one semester of high school credit in 1 or more of the following:

Mathematics - Algebra
Mathematics - Geometry
Mathematics - Precalculus
Mathematics - Statistics
Science - Physical Sciences
Science - Engineering and Technology

VT Proficiency Indicators

This Institute’s curriculum has been aligned with the following Vermont proficiency-based graduation requirements at the high school level.

Mathematics
- Modeling: 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f
- Number & Quantity: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e
- Algebra: 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h
- Functions: 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f
- Geometry: 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e
- Statistics: 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e

Transferable Skills
- Communication: 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g
- Self-Direction: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i
- Problem Solving: 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h
- Citizenship: 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f
- Informed Thinking: 5a, 5b, 5f

So how does it all work?

Every day is a unique experience filled with expert-led instruction, hands-on investigation, field trips, and immersive learning. We work to build a community around our experiences and share in our passion for everything we explore.

**The schedule is slightly different each year and announced when you arrive!

GIV’s supportive Institute structure is endlessly enriching, empowering, and engaging.

An Example of a Day at the Mathematical Sciences Institute

7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Guest Speaker Presentation Kick-Off
9:00 AM: Logic Puzzles!
10:30 AM: Morning Workshop
12:00 PM: Lunch and Free Time
1:00 PM: Afternoon Workshop or Field Trip
4:00 PM: Group Presentations
5:00 PM: Dinner
6:30 PM: Evening Activities and Social Events
10:00 PM: End of Day

Want to learn more about what it's like at the Mathematical Sciences Institute?

Check out this video from GIV Alum Anja Samsom as she shares some of her experiences as a 3-time participant and counselor at the Institute!

 

Mathematical Sciences Faculty

My name is Nichole Caisse. I am from a small town in Connecticut. I moved to Vermont in 2005 to go to graduate school at UVM. I have a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and a second master’s degree in Mathematics Education. I have taught math to students in grades 5 thru college. I have been teaching at UVM for 6 years. I am married and have 3 little boys. We love to spend as much time as possible outside in all weather in all seasons enjoying running, hiking, biking, swimming, alpine or nordic skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fishing, canoeing, backpacking, car camping, really anything outside exploring nature. I am looking forward to this new role as the director of the Mathematics GIV!

Ready to propel your math skills to new heights? Join the Mathematical Sciences Institute today!

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