DCSIMS
Program Details
Here is a copy of our brochure.
About the program
Qualifications
Application process
Additional information
About the program
What is it? DCSIMS (Dordt College’s Summer Investigations in Mathematics and Statistics) is for highly motivated and talented high school students. The program provides students with three days of investigations in mathematics and statistics involving fun activities, projects, and hand-on explorations, all while being mentored by Dordt mathematics and statistics faculty. The program will also expose students to careers and research in mathematics and statistics.
When is it? Plan to arrive on Dordt’s campus the evening of Monday, June 17. After checking into the dorms and receiving a brief orientation that evening, you will be ready for three full days of learning and fun. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you will participate in a variety of workshops, activities, and talks related to topics in actuarial science, mathematical modeling, statistics/biostatistics/statistical genetics, and more. Interspersed throughout your day will be time for team-building and other fun activities on and around the campus of Dordt College. You will also have time to hear about careers in mathematics and statistics and the college search process. You will depart approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.
What activities are involved? Be prepared to take to heart the motto “Work Hard. Play Hard.” Each day will feature one of the following themes:
• Actuarial science, risk/risk management, and probability/chance. For more about the field of actuarial science visit www.beanactuary.org. You will participate in a series of activities, games, and competitions centered on this theme.
• Mathematical modeling. Mathematical modeling is used by researchers in disciplines as wide ranging as biology, economics, political science, engineering, chemistry, medicine, graphic design/animation, etc. You will learn about and experience how mathematical models can describe disease epidemiology.
• Statistics, with a particular focus on biostatistics and statistical genetics. The rapidly growing field of statistics and data analytics is becoming the language of science, business, health, politics, and society in general. You will participate in a real, ongoing research project in statistical genetics. You can read more about the projects you may be involved in here.
• Other activities include talks from experts on a variety of mathematical topics and informal discussions on the college search/application process and the variety of possible careers in mathematics and statistics. In the “play hard” category, we have many fun surprises planned.
Qualifications
Who should participate? High school students who have completed three years of high school mathematics and will be seniors in fall 2013. Students should possess a strong interest and aptitude in mathematics and/or statistics and should have the desire and ability to work hard and play hard with a like-minded peer group. Students should be able to arrive on Dordt’s campus the evening of Monday, June 17, and depart late afternoon on Thursday, June 20.
Am I the kind of person you are looking for? We anticipate accepting a diverse set of students to the program. If you have a passion for mathematics and statistics, have done well in your courses, and are excited to spend a few days having fun and learning, then, yes!
Application process
When should I apply? We strongly encourage you to get your application submitted as soon as possible, and no later than May 15. Space is limited to just 15 participants.
When can I expect to hear about my application? Our hope is to contact those accepted to the program in early/mid-May. At the time you are accepted to the program, you will be asked to pay the $150 registration/program fee. Travel support (both financial and logistical) may be available for students travelling from a distance. Contact dcsims@dordt.edu for details.
Additional questions
Who is leading the program? The mathematics and statistics faculty at Dordt College will lead the program. Additionally, we will include a select number of high school teachers and others as learning facilitators. They will stay in the dorms and participate in all activities as group leaders—working with groups of three or four students each.
What is the cost of the program? The DCSIMS program charges a nominal fee of $150 to cover room, board, and related expenses during the three-day program. Applicants will be asked to pay the fee upon acceptance to the program.
If you have any remaining questions please send an email to dcsims@dordt.edu
