| Shape Pan Balance Game |
Quickie Online Activity
|
Name_________________________
|
| You are to find out the lightest shape. Then find out how
many of that shape are needed to balance the other shapes. Solve it three
times. |
| First just "play" with the Shape Pan Balance to
figure out how to use it. Then click New Problem and write your answers
below. |
| |
Recording Area |
Example |
First Try
1. The lightest shape is _____. 2. Make a table showing how many of the
lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.
|
1. The lightest shape is  .
2. Make a table showing how many of the
lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.
|
Left Side |
Right Side |
|
|
|
| Now Click New Problem |
Second
Try
1. The lightest shape is _____.
2. Make a table showing how many of the
lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.
|
Third
Try
1. The lightest shape is _____.
2. Make a table showing how many of the
lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.
|
Left Side |
Right Side |
Left Side |
Right Side |
|
|
|
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URL: http://illuminations.nctm.org/tools/tool_detail.aspx?id=33
Mathematical Concept(s) Illuminated: Measurement, algebraic
thinking, problem solving, and logic.
How important is a demonstration prior to student use?
Mildly important, but don't show too much. Putting pieces on and off the balance
is easy. It may be useful to demonstrate the "Count Items" vs "Show Array"
modes.
If
demonstrated,
do not show
how to find the lightest shape. Let the student develop their own strategy.
Classroom Use Comments:
- Activity setup: Set the window to Shape Pan Balance. Provide a
copy of the recording sheet (above) for each student
in front
of the computer.
- Implementation: Send one student to the computer at a time. Encourage
them to play/experiment with the applet first, then answer the questions.
The activity should take about 10 minutes per student and should be self-explanatory.
Created by: Jim Olsen, Western Illinois
University