Teaching philosophy

Understanding, not Memorizing

Knowledge is not just bare facts, but wisdom obtained through experimentation, observation, thought, and discussion. One of our major goals is to show that facts and algorithms are worthless without understanding the essence of the phenomena we study. We want to demonstrate to our campers that any concept or theory is possible to grasp, but genuine understanding is the result one must always seek.

Interconnection of All Knowledge

Human knowledge is an indivisible entity, and all of its disciplines are tightly interconnected. We aim to show how deeply the different branches of human knowledge are connected with one another. Our students will encounter problems that cannot be solved without realizing the links between mathematics and art, chemistry and literature, or physics and history.

Complex Concepts

We believe that students are far more prepared to understand complex concepts than adults may think. While we do not plan to overwhelm our campers with tons of sophisticated problems, lectures will go far beyond their school curriculum.

Joy of Discovery

There is a huge difference between facts explained by a teacher and knowledge obtained by students themselves through experimentation and thought. At SigmaCamp, campers will experience the joy of discovery both during theoretical discussions and experimental practice activities.

No Separation by Spheres of Interest

Students will be divided into several groups; however, the division will be based neither on the subjects they choose nor their age. Additionally, one of the principal features of our philosophy is the creation of an atmosphere that excludes competition between individual campers.

Conversation, Conversation, Conversation

Another important and distinctive feature of our camp is that communication between the campers and their teachers is not restricted to formal discussion and practice. The teachers stay at camp throughout the day and are always open for informal conversation, allowing campers the unique opportunity to bond with their mentors for all their worth as intelligent and interesting people, not just as their science teachers. They may freely discuss the history of the Middle Ages with a PhD in Chemistry, play guitar with a professor of Mathematics, or share their visions of the future (or present) with anyone else at camp.