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Problem Solving June 2002 (v 26.4)
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Real World Numbers GRADES K–2 Ask each student to make
a list of all the ways each of them finds numbers being used during the
day (on clocks, lunch money, page numbers in books, etc). In class have
the students compile their lists into a class list. Compare all the
similarities and highlight those that are different from the others.
Send us your class list, as well as reactions and/or comments.
What is My Perimeter? GRADES 3–5 Measuring
and applying numbers to formulas is a fundamental skill that can be
easily encouraged. For the following activity, have the students bring
small rectangular boxes (cereal boxes, any food storage boxes) from
home. Using a ruler, have the students measure the edges of each
rectangle (top, side, bottom). On unlined paper, have the students draw
diagrams (including all measurements) of each rectangle.
Have
the students develop their own way of finding the perimeters of all the
rectangles and compare their system with the systems of other students.
Have the students write-out the similarities in their approaches. This
activity may lead to students constructing their own “nets.”
Send examples of student work, drawings, and descriptions to the ComMuniCator.
Extension
Why were the foods packaged in certain shapes and sizes?
Why Do Formulas Work? GRADES 6–8 When
using the formula a = lw (area = length times width) correctly, we get
an amount that is defined as the area of a rectangle. Why does this
formula work?
Have students write out
their explanations of why this formula works. They may want to include
diagrams with their explanations. Extensions or additional problems
could include the formulas for finding the area of a circle, the
circumference of a circle, or the area of a triangle.
Knight’s Tour GRADES 9–12 Refer to the activity “Two Knight’s Tour Problems” on page 52 of this issue of the ComMuniCator
for background on Knight’s Tours and magic squares. After students have
done the two Knight’s Tour problems, ask them to create their own
Knight’s Tour problem. They could experiment with boards of different
sizes and shapes and also try to use mathematical properties, such as
those of a magic square, or odds, evens, and primes. Have them try
their problem on a friend to be sure it works.
Send examples of some of the student problems to the ComMuniCator.
Return to Student Problem Soving Main Page.
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This Page was last updated: Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 11:40:26 AM
This page was originally posted: 6/30/2002; 11:29:16 PM.
Copyright 2008 cmcmath
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