Math Circles of Chicago
Math Circles of Chicago

QED

QED is an opportunity for students to use math of their own creation to investigate fun math puzzles, real world problems, pure math research,  computer games, and more. QED is a Math Symposium that is like a Science Fair except the projects are based on the use of math or computer science. Use this website to think about project ideas, learn about QED the event, see how projects are judged, and to get connected to mentors who can help you!

QED 2023 was a success! QED 2024 will be held on Saturday, December 7th. Look for announcements here in fall 2024 for more information.

 When, Where, What It's Like

QED 2023 will take place on Saturday, December 9th, at Payton HS. In 2023 More than 100 students present their original math research, judged by math professors, graduate and undergraduate students, and teachers. Students get shirts, pizza, books, free software, and an opportunity to qualify directly for the City STEM Fair! Many QED students participate in the Illinois State Science Fair, and a few have been Regeneron Finalists Click here for the full information sheet.

Getting Help with a Project

MC2 provides many supports for students interested in QED. This document gives a list of several projects produced in previous years so you can see what a QED paper looks like. This one gives links to resources across the web that can help you develop project ideas. MC2 works with a number of PhD students and other math aficionados who are willing to mentor students one on one. We also give workshops that students can attend to help them develop a QED project idea. 

QED Prep and the Big Day

This document will give you instructions about formatting your QED paper, making a display board, and more. See the rubrics for our Junior/Intermediate and Senior Project levels, along with the rubric for Computer Science Projects. 

Helping Out with QED

Graduate students, undergraduates, teachers, and math people in our community, we need you! Each year we need judges, administrative help, Guesstimathon runners, and more! If you'd like to volunteer to participate in making QED a reality, sign up now!

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