Wednesday 12 September 2018

Adding 5

I was interested in exploring how we might represent the addition operation as a pattern. We had been playing with the addition algorithm and looking at adding numbers up to 4 digits.

So I took it way back and asked how we might make a pattern to represent adding 5.

And here is what happened:



I was underwhelmed. Surely we could come up with more than simple lines getting bigger by 5 each time. And was it a coincidence that just about every student had represented adding 5 in exactly the same way?

So, I drew a long breath and asked our favourite question:

"Can you do it a different way?"

And thankfully the answer was a resounding, "Yes!"

Here is what our next attempts looked like:






Several representations looked at groups of 5 being stacked up on top of each other. An interesting idea - take it into another dimension - but similar to the idea of parallel lines.




Two different students looked at representing the idea of adding 5 as an array. 




Then we had 2 who make a circular pattern. 


And also a radial pattern.



Then we had a few interesting ideas. Here, the student has decided to start at 3 (the central group of light blue lids) and then adding groups of 5 at each end. Her pattern went 3, 8, 13, 18...



This was a rather unusual idea. I can see the 5 blue lids. I can see several rows that have 5 yellow lids. But I could also see lots with 6 as well. What was going on?

"Well, you can start at any lid, and then count 5 in any direction. And then keep going."

Well, that certainly took it to places I wasn't expecting.

And then we had this one:


So, this student decided to reinvent numbers, place value, the counting system - everything.

Each group of lids represents a number in the counting by 5s pattern (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 etc) but the number of lids is not relevant. Each group has a unique arrangement, demonstrating an understanding that all numbers are unique and represent unique values. 

So much more interesting than a series of parallel lines.

Like it. Well done, Year 2.






Saturday 8 September 2018

AMSI 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award







I was honoured yesterday by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) along with 9 other outstanding Australian teachers and received an "Excellence in Teaching" award. 


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This is me with BHP Principal, Inclusion and Diversity Fiona Vines.


The Canberra Times, our local newspaper, did a very sympathetic write up about me, though I'm not sure about the "rockstar" bit:


I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my mathematical journey, starting with my inspirational and extremely patient wife, my family, my colleagues, you - the readers of this blog - and ultimately my students who challenge me to think clearly and to be creative every day.

Regards

Bruce