Momentum Learning Contest Math Beginner (AMC8/Mathcounts Beginner)
Contest Math Beginner is designed to introduce students to the world of contest math, focusing on developing a deeper understanding of key math concepts. This course will help students strengthen their foundational knowledge while training them to improve their problem-solving skills.
Contest Math Beginner
- Pre-req: Completion of CM101 or elementary school math
- Selected topics on MATHCOUNTS and AMC8
- Maximum number of students: 10
Momentum Learning Contest Math Summer Camp Overview
Online
All instructional materials from the camp, including recorded sessions, will remain accessible for an additional three months following the conclusion of the camp. Zoom and Canvas platforms will be utilized for delivery and access to these resources.
Contest Math Beginner (AMC8/Mathcounts Beginner)
Pre-Algebra
Instructor: Karakuzu
Dates: June 22 – August 24
Monday 7PM – 8:30PM CT
10 classes (15 hours)
Fee: $449
Contest Math Beginner (AMC8/Mathcounts Beginner)
Geometry
Instructor: Karakuzu
Dates: June 24 – August 26
Wednesday 7PM – 8:30PM CT
10 classes (15 hours)
Fee: $449
In-Person
Contest Math Beginner (AMC8/Mathcounts Beginner)
Pre-Algebra
Instructor: Curtice
Date: June 15 – 26 (M – F)
Time: 9:30AM – 12PM CT
10 Days (25 hours)
Fee: $749
Contest Math Beginner (AMC8/Mathcounts Beginner)
Geometry
Instructor: Curtice
Date: July 27 – August 7 (M – F)
Time: 9:30AM – 12PM CT
10 Days (25 hours)
Fee: $749
Contest Math Beginner
Pre-Algebra
- Fractions/ decimal and percent
- Exponents and radical
- Solving equations
- Rations rates and proportion
Contest Math Beginner
Geometry
- Angles
- Square root review and Pythagorean theorem
- Right triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Perimeter and area
Contest Math Beginner
Combinatorics
- Basics of counting : addition and multiplication
- Listing
- Introduction to permutation
- Introduction to combination
- Probability
Fatma Karakuzu
Mrs. Karakuzu is an experienced mathematics instructional coach and teacher with extensive education in the field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Math and a Texas Educator certification in mathematics for grades 4-12th. She also graduated from the University of Houston with a Master’s in the Dual Credit program of Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics. She has worked as an educator for over 17 years for students in several different grade levels with various backgrounds in math, from beginner to advanced.
In addition to teaching math and tutoring students for exams and math competitions, she has served as a department head and instructional coach for 9 campuses. She is passionate about helping students enjoy doing math and excel in their studies. Even within a single academic year, Mrs. Karakuzu’s students have consistently shown great improvement in their understanding of mathematical concepts and test performances. They have also completed the year with an improved confidence in their math skills.
Mrs. Karakuzu likes to spend time with her twin daughters, travel, and do gardening in her free time.
Gwen Curtice
My name is Gwen Curtice, and I am currently teaching 5th and 6th grade math as well as the Contest Math elective for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at the Honor Roll School. I have 44 years of teaching experience of which 31 were in elementary, 2 were in private and 11 were in middle school teaching math. My undergraduate degree is from Texas Tech University, and I earned my master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. It was my pleasure to be the original math teacher and math competition coach at the Gifted and Talented Academy at Quail Valley Middle School in FBISD.
My philosophy is simple: all math is connected. Introducing a logical progression of topics, I use hands-on activities combined with daily practice and problem solving of real world associations to obtain long-term understanding. I emphasize accuracy before speed. All students can learn to love math when they have the correct “tool kit” of strategies.
I have lived in Sugar Land for 33 years with my husband, Kolbe, and our labrador, Saxon. Our daughter, Mallory, is a graduate of Texas Christian University and lives and works in Fort Worth.
Teaching Recordings – Mrs. Karakuzu
FAQ
Will summer camp cover the same material as spring and fall semesters?
There could be some overlap in topic coverage. However, most of the questions addressed in the camp will differ from those in our spring/fall classes.
Mastering contest math concepts typically requires multiple reinforcement opportunities. Each subsequent encounter with the same topics not only deepens students’ understanding but also progressively enables them to apply these concepts independently. It is unrealistic to expect students to fully grasp a concept and proficiently apply it after being exposed to it only once or twice.
Will there be homework assigned daily?
Weekly Online Contest Math Beginner: Homework will be assigned.
Daily In-person Contest Math Beginner: During the camp sessions, the instructor will present various example questions. Initially, students will be given 2-3 minutes to attempt solving the question. Subsequently, the instructor will solve the question and discuss its implications. It’s typical for students not to fully solve the questions within the allotted time. Therefore, the homework is for students to review and actively tackle all questions they didn’t complete during each day’s camp session.
Remember: You cannot claim to know how to solve a question unless you independently work through it without assistance.
Note: $40 annual registration fee per student (Fall 2025 – Summer 2026)