Math Through Activities

We have dealt with Activity-Based Learning in chapter 4.5 to 4.7 in the section dealing with Pre-Primary School. But it is relevant at all levels of math learning, at least in the K-8 stage.

It would be good if each student has an individual math kit, consisting of the following.

Math Kit

1. Bottle tops for

   1. Number properties & patterns

   2. Integer representation & operations

   3. 4 basic operations

2. Ice-cream sticks with rubber bands

   1. 2-digit Number representations

   2. Number properties

3. Sheets, Strips & Pieces

   1. 3-digit Number representations

   2. Number properties

4. Sheets of used paper

   1. Angle properties

   2. Triangle properties

   3. Algebra Patterns

5. Dotted sheets

   1. Algebra & geometry patterns

6. Broom sticks (about 10” long)

   1. Multiplication facts

7. Geometry Box

   1. Set squares for angle operations

   2. Compass for geometrical designs

Classroom Activities

The activities can be in the classroom or in the Math Activity Centre. In the classroom, due to the lack of space, the activities will mostly be individual activities using materials which can easily fit on the student’s desk.

Math Activity Centre

One of the block periods can be used for taking students to the Math Activity Centre where students can work both individually & in groups. Doing an activity as a group allows free flow of ideas and creativity. The Centre can have activity materials which cannot be easily used on a student desk in the classroom.

1. Proof of Pythagoras Theorem

2. Algebra tiles for algebraic expressions, equations & identities

3. Triangle Kit for proving triangle properties

4. Math puzzles & games

5. PCs with software like GeoGebra

Field Activities

Many of the activities can be carried out with students on the playground.

1. Arrays & Rows

2. Cartesian Plane

3. Set operations