1-4 June 2021: Face to Face in High Street Kensington (W8 5ED)
Our Half Term camp will explore and explain how maths, programming, science and technology can be harnessed to deliver the best answers to questions. Depending on each child’s previous experience and knowledge of maths and programming, answers will be discovered to questions such as:
what is ‘infinite mirror theory’? Is it possible to physically demonstrate the concept of infinity without taking up the whole universe?
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what is a greedy algorithm and what are its limitations?
what are arithmetic, geometric, harmonic and quadratic means?
can I make a 3D model of my face and animate it? (How to operate an Intel RealSense Camera and animate the results using Blender3D)
In Programming we will run a series of highly exciting projects at the cutting edge of science. Whether your child is preparing for Programming Olympiads or has done little to no coding before, we have the right class for them. Depending on a child’s previous experience and knowledge of programming, pupils will learn either the foundations of coding or go further and work on one or more of the following exciting projects:
Processing: Image Optimization
Participants will learn about methods of image optimization through the numerical parameters of a Histogram - a graphical representation of the intensity distribution of an image. Histograms are widely used to create a general idea of the correct exposure, contrast and colour saturation of an image. They evaluate the required correction both during shooting (changing the exposure, colour balance, lighting or composition of the image) and during subsequent processing. After completing this first stage, pupils will learn about Histogram Equalization which is a computer image processing technique used to improve the contrast in images. It accomplishes this by spreading out the most frequent intensity values, i.e. stretching out the intensity range of the image. All these methods are used in Computer Vision and the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Camp participants will build a desktop program that computes the histogram of a given image, visualises it, performs Histogram Equalization of it and renders the result.
Python in Blender3D: 3D Scanning and Mesh Optimization
In this project, participants will make a 3D model of their faces using an Intel RealSense Camera and then animate the model using Blender3D. Pupils will learn about 3D scanning methods, point clouds and ‘mesh optimization’ techniques, all within the Blender3D environment of Python. Pupils will use the Python programming language to practice mesh modification and mesh animation, learn about colours in a 3D space, how to attach a colour to each vertex of a mesh and how to render the final picture.
In Technology and Electronics classes participants will create an Infinity Mirror - a study of the optimization of space. Pupils will learn about infinity mirror theory and implement their knowledge in practice using LED strips to form an ‘infinity tunnel’ which does not take up the entire universe! Pupils will also learn the basic principles of electronic circuits, enjoying the hands-on experience of connecting electric components in a circuit and completing their own infinite mirror and tunnel in the form of a desktop lamp.
In Maths, all year groups will have classes about Optimisation - dedicated to the study how best outcomes are achieved.
Participants can also join an extra Problem Solving session in the morning from 9 to 10am. There they will tackle different levels of UKMT challenges from the Primary Maths Challenge and International Kangaroo up to more senior levels looking at Combinatorics, Number Theory and Senior UKMT challenges.
Here are more details of what will be studied by each Year group:
Years 3-4
In finding the best, pupils will discover the answer to: smallest or largest, shortest or longest route, how to collect the most prizes - all aspects of optimisation for beginners. In problem solving, pupils will tackle questions from the UKMT Primary maths Challenge and International Kangaroo.
Years 5-6
Finding the best, including the greedy algorithm and its limitations, chess and mathematics - maintaining social distancing on the board for chess pieces, calculating the largest area with a given parameter. In problem solving, pupils will tackle games and logic in UKMT challenges.
Years 7-9
Finding the best, including the greedy algorithm and its limitations. Calculating the shortest routes and the largest areas with a given parameter. In problem solving we’ll be looking at problems in geometry: angles and similarities, the inequality of Arithmetic and Geometric Means for two numbers, its variations and applications, together with harmonic means.
Years 10-11
Finding the best, including the greedy algorithm and its limitations, shortest route, quadratic and cubic functions. In problem solving, pupils will study the geometry and applications of Arithmetic, Geometric, Harmonic and Quadratic means and their relations, as well as inequality problems from past questions in the British Maths Olympiad.
Format and fees for the senior face to face camp:
- pupil to teacher ratio of 6:1 for maths, 5:1 for programming and 4:1 for robotics
- classes are small groups of pupils of similar age and ability
- camp times: 10am to 3pm
- fees are £490 for four days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
- your child can also join us from 9am for an extra hour of olympiad style maths or additional coding, or continue from 3pm to 4pm with our chess class. There is a supplement of £25 for each additional session booked
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.