Math Outside!

It has been such lovely weather that we decided to do math outside today! My grade 10s joined with the grade 9s from across the hall, in intermixed groups and we represented algebra with toothpicks.

We provided each group with a page that had written expressions, then groups built physical representations and showed them on a concept circle.

It was great to see the grade 9s and 10s work together to build their models. Students were problem solving and challenging each other’s misconceptions. We had a lot of interesting discussions about what brackets mean, and what (2x)(1/2x^2) would mean. Would it be just the same as building an x cube, since if you multiply it that’s what it gives you, or if you need to build a rectangular prism with the base area as (1/2x^2) and the height of (2x) (as seen above).

Since we were working outside we had loads of space, so we made our concept circles bigger, but also contain more slices. Here is the total circle.

We had a spicier one ready to go, but didn’t need it.

We also had ideas of asking as an extension to build an (x+y)^3 which I think would be fun to see.

Thanks for the great fun and collaborative work today students!