Problem:  Use your Pattern Blocks.  Can you find at least 6 different ways to cover an equilateral triangle with 3” sides.  Record each way you find.

Math Topic/Concept:  Equivalent Representations and variance

Materials:  Pattern Blocks,  paper, and pencil.

Classroom Use: Developmental

Classroom use comments*:  Discuss equivalent blocks before doing the activity.  Could be a whole group activity using the overhead.

Grade:  1

Grade Cluster: Early Elementary

Illinois Goal:  9

Standard:  9 B.1b       9 C.1

Applied? (1-4):  Level 1

Source:  20 Thinking Questions for Pattern Blocks, pages 14-17, 82, Creative Publications, 1995

Answer:  6 different configurations

Strategies Listed:  Guess and Check, Logical Reasoning, Use manipulatives

Solution:

Extensions or related problems*:  Limit the types or amounts of Pattern Blocks the students can use to build the triangles.

Intended rubric or assessment method:  Observation

Write-up submitted by:  Jodi Johnson and Cyndi Fisher

Problem:  Look at the two overlapping circles.  One circle is labeled “small.”  The other is labeled “2 holes.”  Where do your buttons belong?  Sort the buttons.  Make a recording to show where your buttons belong.

Math Topic/Concept:  Sorting, comparing and contrasting, attributes.

Materials:  Approximately 30 buttons, paper, pencil, crayons and venn diagram.

Classroom Use: Introductory

Classroom use comments*:  This activity is good for partner work.  Could be done one the overhead as a whole group activity.  There would need to be a discussion about how to sort the buttons using the diagram.  Make sure they understand where to put buttons that don’t fit any of the categories.

Grade:  1

Grade Cluster:  Early Elementary

Illinois Goal:  9

Standard:  9 C. 1

Applied? (1-4):  Level 1

Source:  20 Thinking Questions for Sorting Treasures, pages 30-33, 82, Creative Publications, 1995.

Answer:  Varies with treasures given to each student

Strategies Listed:  Look for a pattern, use logical reasoning, use a diagram

Solution:  Varies

Extensions or related problems*:  Sorting other treasures and coming up with attributes for the Venn Diagram.

Intended rubric or assessment method:  Observation

Write-up submitted by:  Cyndi Fisher and Jodi Johnson

James R. Olsen, Western Illinois University
E-mail: jr-olsen@wiu.edu
updated June 27, 2001