Here’s a video that introduces the 4×4 KenKen, including tips and strategies. It can be played in HD (720p) for use in classrooms with projectors.
KenKen is a logic and mathematical puzzle which is similar to Sudoku. As a math teacher, I use KenKen to teach and reinforce logical, deductive reasoning and to help with number concepts such as prime factorization.
The easiest way to introduce KenKen puzzles to students are through 4×4 grids. Here I show the 4×4 puzzle in this video so students can see the structure of KenKen and gain some familiarity with strategy. The goal is to fill the grid in with the digits 1 through 4 such that:
* Each row contains exactly one of each digit
* Each column contains exactly one of each digit
* The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares, called cages, must combine (in any order) to produce the target number in the top corner using the mathematical operation indicated.
Here is a four minute video that introduces the 3×3 KenKen. It can be played in HD (720p) for use in classrooms with projectors.
KenKen is a logic and mathematical puzzle which is similar to Sudoku. As a math teacher, I use KenKen to teach and reinforce logical, deductive reasoning and to help with number concepts such as prime factorization.
The most common puzzles are 4×4 and 6×6 grids. I show the 3×3 puzzle in this video simply as an intro to the structure of KenKen. The goal is to fill the grid in with the digits 1 through 3 such that:
Each row contains exactly one of each digit
Each column contains exactly one of each digit
The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares, called cages, must combine (in any order) to produce the target number in the top corner using the mathematical operation indicated.
The following is a Guest Post from Alexis Montgomery, who is a content writer for Online Degree, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.
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Some kids are born to do math. They see the numbers on a page or a blackboard and it’s like you’re suddenly speaking their language. Others don’t seem to be able to wrap their brains around it at all. And some kids, even those with a head for numbers, may lose interest. Studies show that girls, in particular, tend to give up on mathematics sometime in middle school, whether from a lack of interest or because they become discouraged. But it’s practically guaranteed that pulling out a math book in the middle of summer vacation to do a little brushing up will bring about strong resistance from even the most dedicated pupil. So how can you keep kids on track over the long summer months without having to chain them to a desk?
The answer is online. Math, like any other subject, can be fun, especially if you make it into a game. Kids may not know it, but their brains are hard-wired to learn as much as possible from a very young age. And while they may dull their senses with TV, they can spring right back if their mind is adequately engaged. And there are a ton of online resources to help them (and you).
FunBrain is a great site for grade school and middle school kids. It has a math section (among other subjects) and you can find games by grade level and age, a handy option that is not available on many sites. If your fifth grader finds the math from his own level too easy, move him up. If he is struggling, have him return to previous exercises first to gain confidence and prepare for the harder stuff.
Another good website is Math Playground, which offers practice for younger kids, but it also caters to the high school set with algebra and trigonometry games. It may be a little more work to find the right math for your child (as it is categorized by type, rather than age or grade level), but there are a lot of options to keep it interesting, from basics like flashcards and word problems to games like Guide the Gecko (through a land of fractions) and The X Detectives (solving algebra puzzles and working with graphs). They even have links to other websites with more fun games and activities.
Play Kids Games is another one geared for younger kids, but it offers games with more of a story to them, so it may be a bit more engaging than, say, flashcards.
Whatever math level your child is at, there is sure to be a website that caters to their particular needs and interests. Using your computer as a teaching tool is a great way to get kids to see math as something fun, rather than a chore. And keeping them on track throughout the summer can make a huge difference when they return to school in the fall, not only in their retention, but in their excitement level. There’s no reason that learning math can’t be educational AND fun, and you’re sure to find both online.
Markus Hohenwarter receiving the Tech Award in Education for GeoGebra
More kudos for GeoGebra; I continue to share this wonderful open-source software program with others and watch them experience the joy as they see mathematics come alive with power and creativity. My students experience this on a regular basis.
“The Tech Awards program inspires global engagement in applying technology to humanity’s most pressing problems by recognizing the best of those who are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address the most urgent critical issues facing our planet. People all over the world are profoundly improving the human condition in the areas of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development through the use of technology. It is the goal of The Tech Awards to showcase their compelling stories and reward their brilliant accomplishments.
The Tech Awards is an international awards program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity.
GeoGebra is open-source software available for free through the Web that enables users to dynamically experiment with mathematical concepts.
Technology can play an important role in learning mathematics. Teachers and students alike often depend on interactive technology to learn about and experiment with math.
The dynamic mathematics software GeoGebra addresses all levels of education by joining arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and calculus. It features a very clean, easy-to-use interface. Since the tool is open source, a large user community has emerged to create interactive online materials for specific subject matters or a particular educational level. Having been translated into over 45 languages, it continues to expand to offer equal information access across the globe.”
The following is a Guest Post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online colleges for OnlineColleges.net.
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Are you looking for new ways to present advanced mathematical concepts to your high school students? The Internet offers many free online resources for lessons, games, activities, and [...]
The title of this post is from a conference session at the California Math Council conference at Asilomar in December, 2009. You may download the handout through the following link:
Games and Puzzles that Reach the Kids and Teach the Standards
Here’s the handout with instructions for some activities:
Games and Puzzles that Reach the Kids and Teach [...]
I will be presenting a session at the California Math Council’s conference in southern California on 7 November, 2009 with the title of this blog article. I’ve included a link below to the conference presentation.
This session will cover several pedagogical topics that have made my students successful learners, including Conceptual Layering, as well as snippets [...]
George Polya was a master of problem solving, and his effect on other teachers has been extraordinary. His most popular book, How to Solve It, has sold over a million copies. As is the case with many great books, Polya had been turned down by three publishers before finding one to publish the English version [...]
Martin Gardner has published over 70 books and is the chief person responsible for the widespread interest in recreational mathematics. He turned 95 on 21 October, 2009 and celebrated by publishing another book. He authored the Mathematical Games column in Scientific American for 25 years. He quite possibly has introduced more people to the fun [...]
The First North American GeoGebra Conference will be held 27-28 July, 2010 at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.
I’ve been honored to be a part of the Scientific Committee for this conference. This committee has the responsibility of reviewing conference proposals. I’m looking forward to an interesting experience seeing how others use the powerful program, [...]
