Ann Arbor, Michigan, is home to a variety of math-related destinations that cater to the interests of STEM enthusiasts, students, and inquisitive minds alike. From interactive museums and educational centers to university departments, these venues offer accessible opportunities to explore the world of mathematics. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Ann Arbor provides a diverse range of experiences that foster mathematical curiosity. Let's embark on a journey through Ann Arbor's rich landscape of math and STEM resources, where learning and exploration are within reach for all.
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and programs that are designed to foster a love of learning in children, with a focus on STEM subjects.
Local library branches for a wealth of STEM resources, including books, workshops, and events, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.
Explore the wonders of the natural world through interactive exhibits on paleontology, geology, and evolutionary biology, including a hands-on STEM discovery center for all ages.
While primarily an art museum, UMMA often hosts exhibitions and events that explore the intersection of art and STEM, offering a unique perspective on creativity and innovation.
Explore cutting-edge mathematics research and attend public lectures and events hosted by the University of Michigan's Mathematics Department.
Ann Arbor Public Schools’ K-12 Academic Standards were adopted in 2010. The Mathematics Standards include eleven “domains” of knowledge:
According to the school district, students are taught more than just basic math knowledge and procedural problem-solving algorithms. Curricula are designed to provide a deep understanding of math and relevant skills. Students learn to understand math problems and use reasoning and logic to solve them.
Ann Arbor Public Schools follow the K-12 Mathematics Standards adopted by the Michigan Department of Education. Under these standards, fifth-grade students should develop fluency with fractions and their arithmetic operations. Additionally, they learn division with two-digit divisors and start learning about volume. By eighth grade, students focus more on reasoning, modeling equations, and solving systems of linear equations. They also learn to apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
The mathematical standards for high school students center on algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, functions, and modeling. To graduate, students need at least four math credits, three of which must come from algebra 1, algebra 2, and geometry.
According to U.S. News, 32 institutions fall within Ann Arbor Public Schools. All About Ann Arbor local news reports that Ann Arbor’s public schools ranked 4th in the U.S in 2022.
Test scores in this district are fairly high compared to many other countries. For example, 67 percent of elementary school students tested at or above the “proficient” level for math. In middle school, the percentage of students testing at or above that level was 62 percent. Scores were even better for high school students; 72 percent scored at or above the level of proficiency.
According to College Board’s SAT Annual Report from 2021, 68 percent of Michigan students in the 2021 graduating class took the SAT during high school. Of those test-takers, 43 percent met the college-readiness benchmark in math. In 2021, half of Michigan high school juniors took the PSAT, and 41 percent of them met the math benchmark.
The Michigan Math Meet is an Ann Arbor-based competition organized for high school students. It is a full-day event where competitors get the chance to solve challenging problems, collaborate with peers, and learn new mathematics. The competition aims to promote critical thinking and creative problem-solving among participants.
On the other hand, Math Kangaroo is an international math competition that also has centers in Ann Arbor. This competition is open to students from grades 1 through 12 and is designed to foster a love for mathematics and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. In Ann Arbor, the Math Kangaroo competition is offered in several centers on different dates.
The Slauson Math Initiative is a program that connects students from Slauson Middle School with volunteer student tutors from the University of Michigan. These university tutors are available both during class and after school to assist with a variety of academic needs ranging from homework help to test preparation. By providing a support system and additional resources, the Slauson Math Initiative aims to enhance the math education experience for middle school students in Ann Arbor12.
On the other hand, the Michigan Mathematics Circle provides a platform for high school and middle school students to engage in math-related discussions and lectures. Students from grades 6 through 12 are welcomed, and the varying levels of preparation and math knowledge among participants foster a rich learning environment. The program not only promotes a deeper understanding of mathematics but also provides a community for young math enthusiasts to interact and learn from each other.
The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor awarded 225 bachelor's degrees in mathematics during the 2020-2021 academic year, a 5% increase from the previous year.
The Future Innovators Academy in Ann Arbor aims to provide a deeper and richer STEM education for students, working with local schools and homeschool programs to enhance STEM experiences.
The National Science Foundation donated $3 million to a University of Michigan-led diversity in STEM program to increase the number of Black, Latin American, and Indigenous students in STEM fields.
The massive Michigan Stadium, constructed between 1926 and 1927, has a capacity for more than 113,000 people, showcasing the geometric and architectural prowess involved in creating large-scale structures.
A special month dedicated to Algebraic Geometry and Singularities, organized under the NSF Focused Research Group grant, was held in Ann Arbor in 2023, bringing focus on advanced mathematical topics like birational geometry and singularities in mixed characteristic.ti
In 2021, Michigan high school seniors had a mean SAT score of 1031, lower than the national average of 1060. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section averaging 523 and the Math section averaging 508. The percentage of graduating seniors taking the SAT was relatively high at 68%. The relatively lower mean scores in Michigan as compared to the national average could be attributed to a higher participation rate, as states with near 100% participation often have lower mean scores due to a broader range of academic preparedness among test-takers. Source: NCES
In 2021, the average composite ACT score in Michigan was 25.1, a decrease from 2017's average of 24.1. The percentage of Michigan graduates taking the ACT was only 9%, which is a significant decrease from 2017's 29%. This decline in participation might be due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional school schedules and college application processes. Michigan's average composite score of 25.1 was higher than the national average of 20.3, which can be attributed to a lower participation rate. Source: NCES
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With Learner, your child will get paired with an online math tutor specifically chosen for them. We use a matching system to select a tutor who aligns with each student’s level, needs, and goals.
With Learner, you aren’t limited to finding a local math major who is looking for a side gig or taking your chances with an un-vetted tutor from an online marketplace. We only hire the very best private tutors who can prove that their previous students made progress and improved their grades.
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For many Ann Arbor students, traditional textbooks and homework problems aren’t enough to truly understand key concepts, and fast-paced classroom lessons can prevent students from asking questions. Learner tutors provide engaging lessons with real-world examples so students truly understand how math relates to other subjects and daily life.
Preparing for college isn’t just about maintaining a good GPA. Students need to prepare for college entrance exams and the faster pace of university classes. With Learner, your student can improve their study skills, prepare for the SAT and ACT, and feel ready for college and their career.
Many students who struggle in math class lose their confidence and experience challenges in other courses. Learner tutors are patient and encouraging, giving each student the chance to work at their own pace. Your child can improve their problem-solving skills and regain the confidence they need for academic success.
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"When I first started working with Alan, I told him I would never be good at math. I barely passed my first two years of high school math and I needed one more hard math class to graduate. Alan believed in me and worked with me on the basics. Little by little, he built up my confidence to the point where I realized I am good at math and I did well in the class."
Many students fly through elementary school math only to fall behind in middle or high school as they struggle with fast-paced classes and the complex concepts of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. At Learner, we provide world-class tutoring for the math subjects that students find most challenging.
Scholarship Award: $1,000
The Women in STEM Scholarship is a recurring scholarship that’s open to women who are STEM majors. The next deadline to apply is November 20th, and winners will be announced on December 20th.
Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play crucial roles in today’s rapidly evolving technological advancements. However, the STEM industry hasn’t always advocated for equal representation, leaving women disadvantaged. With this considered, Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship strives to encourage and support women pursuing a STEM career, recognizing the boundless potential they bring to global innovation.
The journey to gender equality in STEM fields, although progressing, still has a long way to go. Beyond fairness, the industry as a whole needs bright, young minds to continue its advancement, and we believe women are the key to filling the gap. By offering support to dedicated women pursuing a STEM education, we hope to encourage the next generation of STEM leaders, minimizing financial strain and inequality.
We at Learner recognize the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our scholarship is a testament to our dedication to equal opportunities in STEM, aimed at reducing barriers that impede the academic journey of young women in these fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, contributing to a richer, more diverse professional realm.
We believe more diverse representation in STEM will fuel innovation, drive growth, and lead to more comprehensive solutions for global challenges. We also envision this scholarship serving as a catalyst to motivate other institutions and organizations to promote gender equality in STEM education and careers.Through Learner’s Annual Women in STEM scholarship, we aim to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field.
Amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 20
Winner announcement: December 20
Recurring: Annually
You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Women in STEM Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
The application will be open through November 20.
The scholarship award is $1,000.
Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Yes, the Women in STEM Scholarship is an annual scholarship.
Learner manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.