My name is Termeh Kousha, and I am the Executive Director of the Canadian Mathematical Society(CMS). I got my PhD in Mathematics in 2011 from the University of Ottawa. I am also a professor in the math department at the University of Ottawa. I have taught different courses including linear algebra, calculus, statistics, regression, and probability. 

Last summer the CMS ran its first open day-camp for students in Ottawa, marking a departure from our traditional invitation-only approach. By opening the registration process, we sought to provide more opportunities for children to engage with and develop a love for mathematics.

With a focus on exciting mathematical challenges, the camp was designed and led by local teachers. The camp content featured several activities including:

• Building tangrams;
• Creating various geometric shapes;
• Creating tessellations;
• Pentominoes;
• Solving and creating mixed codes, Pigpen and Vigenère ciphers;
• Competition Equations; and
• Escape rooms.

The success of the first year's pilot led to the development of a more comprehensive curriculum for the 2024 camp. 

The CMS is excited about this year’s camp and hopes that we can provide an opportunity for students to see math for the fun and exciting subject it is.

Mathematics has been a difficult subject for some students. However, the CMS believes that by providing a fun and engaging environment, students can learn to enjoy math and realize its importance in everyday life.

During this year’s camp, we plan to introduce students to interesting and challenging math problems that will help to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We will also be incorporating games and interactive activities that will make learning math more enjoyable.

Our aim is to foster a love for math and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields. We believe that by making math more accessible and enjoyable, we can help to bridge the gap that often exists between students and math.

We look forward to welcoming students to this year’s camp and hope that they will leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and excitement of mathematics.