Introductory Problem Solving

Of all the levels of mathematics taught at MIST Academy, the Introductory Problem Solving course is almost surely the most important. Covering the basics of algebra, counting techniques, geometry, number theory, probability, and statistics, this class builds the foundation that almost every student of math, science, medicine, and technology will use down the road. This course gives students an excellent jump on the SAT and ACT.

The Introductory Problem Solving course is listed for grades 5 through 8, but MIST Academy actually places students in classes by ability, not age or grade. The grade range has more to do with the competitions that make up some of the focus of this course. Problems and lessons are taken from many sources including the AMC 8 exam, Math Olympiads (MOEMS), and MATHCOUNTS.

Currently, there are three levels for the Introductory problem solving class. Level A is for students without a significant background in algebra. Level B is for students continuing to develop their fundamental algebra skills. Level C is for students with very strong algebra skills.

Click here for a sample of the problems from the MIST Academy Introductory Problem Solving course.


2008 Spring Class Schedule

Note that students may be asked to take a diagnostic test to determine which of the classes below best suits their needs.

  • Introductory Problem Solving A -- This 10 week class is aimed at gifted sixth graders (and highly exceptional fifth graders) who want to explore basic principles of algebra and number theory (the study of integers). Class will run from 2 to 4 PM Saturday afternoons. The first day of class will be March 1, 2008. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in this course is $390. To enroll or ask questions about class, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.
  • Introductory Problem Solving B -- This 10 week class is aimed at gifted seventh graders (and highly exceptional sixth graders) ready to explore principles of algebraic problem solving and some elementary geometry. This class is ideal for students doing well at Pre-Algebra math tournaments who want to keep improving, and also any student wanting to score higher at Algebra I math team events. Class will run from 4:30 to 6:30 PM Saturday afternoons. The first day of class will be March 1, 2008. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in this course is $390 (the $59 textbook and all other class materials are included in this tuition). To enroll or ask questions about class, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.
  • Introductory Problem Solving C -- This 10 week class is aimed at gifted eighth graders (and highly exceptional seventh graders) who want to study the foundations of geometry in a rigorous class environment. This class is ideal for students who wish to score higher at Geometry math team events, as well as state/national MATHCOUNTS and the AMC 10. Class will run from 5:10 to 7:10 PM Sunday evenings. The first day of class will be March 2, 2008. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in this course is $390 (the $54 textbook and all other class materials are included in this tuition). To enroll or ask questions about class, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.


2008 Summer Class Schedule

Introductory Problem Solving -- The 2008 MIST Academy Summer Institute has three Introductory level sessions covering different areas of mathematics and various levels. Cost of enrollment in this concentrated two week course is $600.

2008 Fall Class Schedule

Note that students may be asked to take a diagnostic test to determine which of the classes below best suits their needs.

For MIST Academy classes in Huntsville, refer to this schedule document. For logistical reasons, the Huntsville classes will follow a different format than the Birmingham classes listed below:

  • The theme of the Fall Introductory A class is Counting Methods. Topics covered include patterns, sequences (including Fibonacci), Venn diagrams, Pascal's Triangle, permutations, and much more. The Fall Intro A will be held on Monday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Class begins on August 18. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.
  • The theme of the Fall Introductory B class is Sequences & Series. Topics covered include arithmetic sequences and series, geometric sequences and series, infinite series, the Fibonacci sequence, and much more. The Fall Intro B class will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Class begins on August 19. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.
  • The theme of the Fall Introductory C class is Counting & Probability. Topics covered include permutations, combinations, Pascal's Triangle, the Binomial Expansion Theorem, the Principle of Inclusion-Exclusion, independent and dependent probability, and much more. A great deal of the curriculum will be aimed at MATHCOUNTS and AMC 10 level problems. The Fall Intro C class will be held on Sunday evenings from 5:10 to 7:10 PM. Class begins on August 24. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, send an email to class instructor Mathew Crawford.

2008-2009 Winter Class Schedule

Note that students may be asked to take a diagnostic test to determine which of the classes below best suits their needs.

For MIST Academy classes in Huntsville, refer to this schedule document.

  • The theme of the Winter Introductory A class is Problem Solving and math contests. Topics covered include building diagrams, parity, sets, the pigeonhole principle, and more. Time will be spent focusing on local contests as well as the MATHCOUNTS competition. The Winter Intro A will be held on Monday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Class begins on November 17. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, please contact us.
  • The theme of the Winter Introductory B class is Problem Solving and math contests. Topics covered include building diagrams, parity, sets, the pigeonhole principle, and more. Time will be spent focusing on local contests as well as the MATHCOUNTS competition. The Winter Intro B class will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Class begins on November 18. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, please contact us.
  • The theme of the Winter Introductory C class is Problem Solving and math contests. Topics covered include building diagrams, parity, sets, the pigeonhole principle, and more. A great deal of the curriculum will be aimed at MATHCOUNTS and AMC 10 level problems. The Winter Intro C class will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Class begins on November 17. A complete schedule can be found here. Cost of enrollment in the ten-week course is $390, which includes all fees, materials, and registration. To enroll, please contact us.

Tuition

The cost each ten-week Introductory course is $390 per student. Limited financial aid is available to families in need.