Week 7 Reflection- Patterning and Algebra

This week we focussed on patterning and algebra. We started the class with us dividing into groups for the math activity presentations. This week I was in Dimitri’s group. Dimitri made his own activity outside of the textbook, which was creative. He focused on an activity for a grade five class where students will learn how to build models to represent number patterns as a form of value. Through the activity students will be able to make predictions in relation to growing and shrinking geometric and numeric patterns. By finding terms or values, students will find missing numbers in the appropriate equations using addition, subtraction, division, and other various tools such as manipulative. The activity entailed answering a few questions to figure out a patterned sequence using linear patterns. Dimitri provided us with a T-chart that told us the number of squares in one column and number of toothpicks in the other. It was our job to figure out the pattern and make an equation that will help us in determining the number of toothpicks we would need for a greater number of squares. To help us start out we were given toothpicks so that we could build the squares to visualize the growth. This was a good starting point for it allowed us to see the growth with the toothpicks and allowed us to understand how the equation we made works. I enjoyed Dimitri’s activity for it was engaging and could be altered to make it more challenging.

Poster Problem. (2017). Toothpick Pattern Problem. [Online Image] Retrieved from http://math.serpmedia.org/poster_problems/equations-from-patterns.html

In class we went through a bevy of examples of how to teach patterning and algebra to the junior level. In order to help junior students develop an understanding of patterning and algebra we can help them to Investigate and Extend. We want to help students investigate patterning and algebra problems in real life settings, and learn to calculate any term in a pattern when given the term number. We want to help them extend their knowledge of generating patterns that involve +, -,X, division as well as those involving reflections, translations or rotations. We want to help students investigate problems involving missing numbers and develop an early sense of variables. We want to help students extend their understanding of equality of expressions using multiplication or division equations with unknown quantities on both sides. We saw methods with learning through literature such as reading the Grapes of Math and asking students what patterns they see on each page. We looked at teaching through problem solving such as grouping shapes.

Pearce, Kyle. (March 30, 2013). Identifying Geometric Patterns. [Online Image] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No4VLQLrdr0

We also looked at pattern building and used manipulatives in one to see how the pattern grew and then made an equation for the pattern. One of my favourite activities we looked at was Pascal’s Triangle. I was able to discover a few patterns on my own, but when the class was sharing their discoveries it was mind blowing what other patterns were embedded within the triangle. From here we looked at teaching through games. I feel that students always enjoy these activities for online games can often mask the work being done and make learning fun.

rosata.net. (2015). Pascal's Triangle.[Online Image] Retrieved from https://rossta.net/blog/pascals-triangle-with-rubys-enumerator.html

Until next week, happy mathing! :)