A student at the Bronx High School of Science, Wataru Takada has completed numerous advanced courses in math and the sciences, from Honors Pre-Calculus to AP Physics. Wataru Takada has a longstanding passion for math and sat for the AP calculus BC exam so that he could take the highest level coursework possible during his senior year in high school. Calculus is distinct from Algebra, which focuses on relations and operations, with x and y used to represent numerical variables and constants. One of the oldest mathematical branches, it provides a basis for calculus, which focuses on the predictive qualities of mathematics and provides a framework for modeling how change occurs within systems. A fundamental idea developed by Isaac Newton was that change is most easily mapped over extremely small time intervals, for example, with the laws of motion applied to processes of acceleration. Through setting in place quantitative models of change, calculus enables analysts to map out the effects that conditions that change over time will have on systems. This in turn allows scientists and engineers to create a wide range of products with everyday applications, from airplanes to computers.
A student at the Bronx High School of Science, Wataru Takada studies advanced mathematics and has developed research projects for state competition. In addition to his studies, Wataru Takada operates an origami blog and serves as a volunteer tutor for the Top Honors organization.Based in New York City, Top Honors operates tutoring programs designed to help children improve their math acumen and ability to think critically. A nonprofit organization, Top Honors provides all necessary school supplies for students and offers its tutoring free of charge, made possible by 145 volunteer tutors and staff.Tutors at Top Honors receive training and mentoring to ensure they are prepared to teach fundamental math skills. In addition, they have access to an extensive network of support and quarterly social events. To become a tutor, individuals must first participate in orientation and training, where they learn about the organization’s methods and curriculum. Moreover, volunteers must commit to attending at least 80% of tutoring sessions each week. For additional information or to apply, visit www.tophonors.org.
A committed student, Wataru Takada is enrolled in advanced physics, statistics, pre-calculus, and math research courses at the Bronx High School of Science. As part of his studies, Wataru Takada recently completed a project titled Properties of an Apollonian Gasket.An Apollonian gasket is an abstract mathematical simulation, known as a fractal, composed of three circles that are each tangent to one another. Additional circles can be added, as long as each new circle is tangent to two other circles. Mr. Takada's Apollonian gasket project was awarded a silver medal at the March 2017 Greater New York Math Fair, an annual fair that invites area high school students to submit mathematics research projects and writings. Projects by advanced junior high students may be considered as well. The region’s largest student research event for mathematics, it maintains four separate levels of competition. - Level 1 is designed for students enrolled in geometry coursework.- Level 2 is designed for students attending non-honors Algebra 2 or trigonometry classes.- Level 3 is designed for students studying honors Algebra 2, pre-calculus, or trigonometry.- The highest, Level 4, is designed for students who are enrolled in or have passed calculus. For additional information on the event, visit www.nycmathfair.com.
A student at The Bronx High School of Science, Top Honor math tutor Wataru Takada is preparing to apply for college. A research assistant within his school’s Math Research Program, the accomplished student loves learning and studying math. Wataru Takada also enjoys origami and has been practicing the paper-folding art since middle school.Origami paper can technically be cut from anything, but many individuals prefer buying the paper instead of worrying about getting the right dimensions. Below are some of the many types of origami paper available:- Kami: Also know as standard origami paper, kami features a white back and a solid pattern or color on the front. Most kami paper is between 60 to 63 grams per square meter (gsm), meaning it is quite thin and, thus, folds relatively easily. It is a cheap paper that is perfect for beginners focusing on simple pieces.- Washi: Made using long plant fibers, washi is a traditional Japanese paper that often features Japanese designs. This type of origami paper is of very high quality and extremely durable. However, its thickness can make folding more difficult, and it is much more expensive. Individuals who want traditional Japanese paper can also look for chiyogami and yuzen paper.- Foil: Measuring at about 50 gsm, foil paper has an extremely smooth texture and features a metallic look. While this type of paper folds very well, it makes any folding mistake very easy to see and can make finished products look strange if the white back is showing through anywhere. Still, it holds up well over time and provides a unique look to an origami piece.
An honors student at the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, Wataru Takada has pursued the study of high-level mathematics through advanced placement classes and research projects. During the summer of 2016, Wataru Takada attended a selective summer program with the New York Math Circle.The New York Math Circle is designed to provide supplemental mathematical education to students seeking further enrichment. The program features a curriculum designed to promote inquiry and discovery. Students continually learn new techniques for problem solving as they encounter unfamiliar problems. Teachers encourage students to think creatively and analytically to solve unique problems that are not found in typical curriculum. Classes at the New York Math Circle are taught by math teachers, students, and professors. Weekend classes are offered for middle and high schoolers and students who are entering college. The math circle also offers an intensive, three-week summer program designed to challenge and inspire students who enjoy mathematics. Though class offerings continue to expand, enrollment remains competitive.
A talented student who is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses at Bronx High School of Science in New York, Wataru Takada also volunteers his time as a math tutor with the organization Top Honors. He was intrigued to find out that he shares his name with the late folk singer Wataru Takada. The singer's most famous songs include “Riding the Bicycle” and “Let’s Join the Self-Defense Force.” Japanese frozen dessert company Akagi Nyugyo Co. featured one of the singer’s songs in a recent commercial for its popular Gari-Gari Kun popsicles. Gari Gari-Kun initially hit store shelves in 1981 and became a favorite among Japanese consumers due to its assortment of distinctive flavors, such as potato stew, spaghetti, and the best-selling corn potage. Akagi Nyugyo increased the price of the ice treat for the first time in 25 years due to the increased cost of labor and ingredients. The commercial, which served as an apology to the company’s consumers, featured Takada’s folk song “Neage,” which roughly translates to “Price Increase.” The lyrics of “Neage” express a desire to avoid price increases, and the text accompanying the video includes an apology from the company. The price for the Gari Gari-Kun treat increased from 60 to 70 yen, which is the equivalent of a 9 cent increase in US dollars.
High School student Wataru Takada studies at the Bronx High School of Science. He is taking rigorous Advanced Placement courses and is especially accomplished in math. Outside of his schoolwork, Wataru Takada folds origami for fun and relaxation. Details of origami's history are subject to much debate. Paper degrades quickly, so paper goods are rarely found among other ancient artifacts. Historians do know that paper was first introduced to Korea and Japan sometime in the 6th century. Paper was expensive in Japan during this time. Paper folding rituals soon developed, but they were largely restricted to religious rituals and highly formal ceremonies. Some of the first folded paper artifacts were known as “shide.” They were used on wooden staffs for purification ceremonies and strung on a rope to create “shimenawa” for altars.In later years, Japanese cultures developed a series of etiquette rules for the giving of folded paper. By the 17th century, paper was commonplace, and origami for fun and recreation had begun to take root. The first-known book on recreational paper folding was published in 1797.
