Beyond the Classroom (BtC) is a summer program sponsored by the OSU Department of Mathematics. This program invites middle and high school students to explore mathematics through engaging activities in a nontraditional environment. Led by a staff of enthusiastic math professionals, participants build confidence in their math and programming abilities and develop a deeper understanding of a variety of topics, including mathematical and algorithmic reasoning and problem solving skills.
BtC provides a supportive atmosphere that allows experimentation and computations outside of the standard secondary curriculum. The goal of this program is to create a deeper appreciation of mathematics in an audience who has not developed a strong interest in mathematics-related careers through traditional instruction.
Additionally, campers are challenged with activities designed to demonstrate the importance of math and programming skills in the current age of technology and advancement. Emphasis is placed on learning skills and ideas that, in practice, allow for discovery. In the final days of this program, students engage the acquired mathematics and coding skills on a project.
BtC is, above all, about fun. The program invites attendees into a world of mathematics which exists outside of their textbooks. It also illustrates why mathematicians love mathematics and aims to spark that interest in a new generation.