Through Play to Mathematical Knowledge
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At Lučko Elementary School during the 2023/2024 school year, students from 5th and 7th grades, along with their teacher Ružica Mikić, participated in a variety of activities during math classes as part of the school project Fun Mathematics.
The project aimed to introduce students to mathematical games, apply mathematics in creating cards and decorations, spark interest in mathematics, and develop peer learning, mutual tolerance, and digital literacy.
Some of them, applying their mathematical knowledge, encountered fun content for the first time.
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It was surprising to realize how few students knew the rules of playing Domino and how few played Domino at home. This ancient Indian game was adopted by the Chinese and is mentioned as early as the 12th century. Europe began playing Domino with Marco Polo’s return from China in the 14th century. Solving the Japanese puzzle Sudoku, students worked on strategies (number elimination method and field elimination method). Like in previous games, they studied the history of the nearly 1000-year-old Japanese puzzle.
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Have any of you heard of the mathematical game Nim? It is one of the oldest games originating from China (commonly called “picking stones” in the folk tradition). It arrived in Europe in the 16th century, and the game theory itself was developed by C. L. Bouton in 1901. Students studied the Fibonacci sequence and Fibonacci Nim.
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In addition to Nim and Domino, students also worked on Tangram, one of the most famous Chinese puzzles and puzzles.
Apart from the rules of the game, students also learned about its history and the legend associated with the Song dynasty of China (960-1279).
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Making Christmas stars and decorations using geometric tools brought the most joy to the students. As Easter approached, students learned the basics of fractal drawing. The importance of working on the mental health of our students and developing their potentials is evident from the fact that students spent hours carefully and patiently coloring the fields of Easter eggs.
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About the author
Ružica Mikić is a mathematics teacher with 13.5 years of experience. She is also a mentor at the Lučko Primary School in Zagreb, Croatia. She graduated from the Faculty of Science (Department of Mathematics) of the University of Zagreb. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with students, organizes various workshops and seminars aiming at popularizing mathematics in schools.
The post Through Play to Mathematical Knowledge appeared first on Scientix blog.
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