One important math concept that children begin to learn and apply in elementary school is reading and using a table. This is essential knowledge, because we encounter tables of data all the time in our everyday lives! But it’s not just important that kids can read and answer questions based on information in a table, it’s also important that they know how to create their own table and then use it to solve problems, find patterns, graph equations, Keep Reading...
Exploring Patterns in Pascal’s Triangle {FREE Printables!}
When I taught Algebra, there were lots of ways I loved to explore patterns with kids and help them make the connection between a number pattern, a table, a graph and an equation. One way we did that was by looking at fractals. Another really fun way to explore, play with numbers and see patterns is in Pascal's Triangle. The pattern known as Pascal's Triangle is constructed by starting with the number one at the "top" or the triangle, and Keep Reading...
Disney Math: Frozen Fractal Snowflake {FREE Printable}
Do you know what a fractal is? I LOVE fractals! Fractals are geometric shapes with self-similar patterns, created by repeating a process over and over again. While there is a wonderful complexity to fractals, there is also a beautiful simplicity that even small children can enjoy! In this next post in my Disney Math series, I'm sharing how I introduced my kids to fractals, based on the movie Frozen. Learn how to make a simple fractal snowflake, Keep Reading...
Using Pattern Blocks to Create Cinderella’s Castle!
If you haven't seen on Instagram, my family is counting down the days to our Disney World vacation! This is our first time, and my kids are just a little bit excited. ;) To help use their excitement to learn and explore important math concepts, we've been having a "Disney Math" lesson each week! (If you missed last week, check out our math countdown to Disney!). This week, to build on our triangles lesson from "The Greedy Triangle," we pulled Keep Reading...
3D Shapes Activity Pack! {FREE Download!}
One of the most important geometry topics covered in middle school math is three-dimensional shapes and their nets. There's a lot to learn regarding 3D shapes-vocabulary, measurements, angles, surface area and volume, etc. But it has to start with a basic understanding of the different shapes, and what makes them different from each other, as well as two-dimensional shapes. If you'd like to start by creating these (and more) shapes with your Keep Reading...
