Reading Groups

Reading mathematical literature is a major skill used in math research and advanced math classes (presumably college level courses). Through GirlsxMRO, we hope to introduce these skills and give our students a hands-on experience in self-studying and reading advanced mathematics. The reading groups each week give students an opportunity to dig deeper into the field of mathematics, including exploring abstract theorems, studying applications, and thinking about harder math problems. This is also a chance to build close personal connections, as students work closely with their mentors and other students.

The GirlsxMRO program consists of three weeks of reading groups, independent of each other, and students can attend any combination of the three. There may be limited spots for reading groups since it is a fully-mentored small-group experience, but we will do our best to accommodate all interested students.

NEW FOR 2023: This year, we intend for each student to work on the same reading throughout a given week. The first session will be focused on understanding the material and the second on solving exercises from the reading. We will, however, have two variations of the reading each week. One will be more conceptual and the other more technical (primarily for returning students who feel confident with the material). 

Students in a reading group are expected to attend the Sunday live Zoom session for that week. After the session, they will receive their readings and are expected to do a minimum of 1 hour asynchronous work (but are welcome to spend as much time as they would like) to prepare for each of the two reading group meetings later in the week. During these meetings we: 

1. Discuss the reading materials and expand on the concepts to help everyone understand the abstract ideas

2. Collaborate and work on challenging problems

3. Build a community and make friends within each group

In 2023, reading groups will meet on Tuesdays and Thursday from 4:00-5:00 PM PT/7:00-8:00 PM ET.

Algebraic Combinatorics

• Counting/combinatorics concepts

  • Factorials

  • Permutations

  • Combinations

• Algebra II concepts

  • Exponents

  • Functions

Abstract Algebra

• Algebra II concepts 

  • Polynomials

  • Basic understanding of complex numbers

  • Exponents

• Basic modular arithmetic

Set Theory & Topology

• Properties of sets 

• Advanced properties of functions

  • AT LEAST the following:

    • Onto/surjective

    • One-to-one/injective