Introduction

This is an exciting and challenging exploration for pre-algebra, algebra for geometry students in grades 6-12. It can also be used as a hands-on workshop for teachers and mathematics education students in about 1 1/2 hours. Alternatively by limiting the audience participation it can be presented in an interactive presentation of about 1hour or with very limited participation in a 30 minute presentation. The times specified for each activity in the exploration correspond to the hands-on workshop for teacher's they should be doubled or even tripled depending on the grade level and the quality of students. The material scan best be covered in two blocks of 2 hours each or 5 one hour period.

This workshop can be presented, on-line or onsite, without needing to refer to the original source material upon which the workshop is based. However, some presenters may find it useful to explore the manipulative, Dr. Super's Triangles, and scan the book, Dr. Super's Triangles: Algebra Explorations before doing this workshop with other teachers or students in a classroom.

If time is limited, reading at least the first activity in the book -- Week 1: Meet Fitz D. Pieces (Page 4-15) will be most helpful. It is useful to also look at the home project (page 58) and the exploration evaluation sheet (page 62) for the week 1: Meet Fitz D. Pieces activity.

Back