r1.This activity could be used for first
or second grade. Difficulty level can be easily adjusted to fit the child's
level.
2. Children must be able to add and/or
subtract.
3. Challenges the child in addition
and subtractions patterns.
4. The idea here is for the children
to be given some manipulative (blocks that interlock). Child should start
out with one block and then, add one block to the top and connect one to
the side and count the number of blocks. There should be 3. Then, have them
repeat what they just did and they should now have 5 squares. Have them
make a table of their results. Next have them predict what the next total
number of squares will be when they add 2 more. They can discuss between
themselves within their group whether there is a pattern of some sort.
7. Table
blocks add # of blocks
1 0 1
1 2 3
3 2 5
5 2 ?
This same exercise can be done with groups of 3. They can keep adding 3 cubes, make a table and observe the pattern and attempt to predict the next number.
Table
Blocks add # of blocks
3 0 3
3 3 6
6 3 9
9 3 ?
Any multiple group number can be used.
5. Space is not large and will allow
ideas to emerge.
6. For the whole class discussion, we
will look at our results on the table and make a graph. I will use a transparency
on the overhead. After the students have worked in groups making their own
growth patterns, the teacher could hand out transparency sheets for the
group to put their own growth results on. They could then show it to the
whole class up on the overhead.
Graph for the first example
r
Graph results for the multiple of 3's example
8. Groups could compare to see if they
have gotten the same results. Each group could have been given a different
multiple and could again use their transparencies and show their graph with
the results. Ideas might be focused on patterns that they may start to see
emerge and class may discuss why the patterns are emerging in this way.
9. Materials needed are minimal. Overhead
transparencies and an overhead projector are materials needed. If the children
use their own transparency sheets, then vis a vis pens may be needed.
10. The students may use these materials
as visual aids to assist them in observing the graphs similarities and differences.
11.yes
12.This activity could last for a whole
lesson on addition and grouping.
13. This activity could again be used
in an older group when the start of multiplication is introduced. These
graphs and tables could be used to show grouping and help the students to
visually see how multiplication is done.