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.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. KenKen – a Video Introduction to the 3×3 Puzzle
2. KenKen for Teachers & Students – a Harvard Professor Speaks Up

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.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. KenKen – Introduction and Strategy Tips to Solve a 4×4 Puzzle
2. KenKen for Teachers & Students – a Harvard Professor Speaks Up
3. Games and Puzzles that Reach the Kids and Teach the Standards

Isosceles Triangles can make a square, as we all know, but here’s a way to do it with seven different size triangles. Measurement, the Pythagorean Theorem, and color make this a nice project for any class, and particularly for a geometry class. The video gives complete directions for the classroom. Pause it at any time to give your students time to finish each stage and to give yourself time to ask clarifying questions.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. Google SketchUp – Add Spice to Your 3D Geometry Lessons
2. Combo Class Crushes California Competition

Here’s a nice visual way for students to see relationships involving linear inequalities using a number line. All four operations are covered, including the infamous multiplying and dividing by a negative number.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. 20 Free Resources for High School Math Teachers

Here’s a video which shows two visual approaches to teaching linear inequalities. It can be used for sharing with other math teachers or students who are looking for a way to “see” how inequalities work.

Here’s the link to the video on youtube.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

No related posts.

This is a video introduction to the activity Nuggets and Scales from Brad & Bill’s book Simply Great Math Activities: Algebra Readiness. Teachers can use this video in the classroom as an easy way to introduce unknown quantities, set up and solve linear equations, and incorporate language in the process. This can be used to easily show students a nice transition from a visual representation to the abstract algebra.

The preceding post has a video showing teachers the pedagogical structure of the activity.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. Algebra Activities that Reach the Kids and Teach the Standards

Here’s a video introduction to the activity Nuggets and Scales from Brad & Bill’s book Simply Great Math Activities: Algebra Readiness. It shows the teacher the pedagogical structure of the activity. This can be used to easily show students a nice transition from a visual representation to the abstract algebra, as well as incorporating language.

This video will be followed by a video for students that can be used for instruction in the classroom.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

No related posts.

Ask people the following problem, and almost all of them will get it wrong: “If a car goes up a hill at 20 m.p.h. and comes down the same hill at 30 m.p.h., what is the average rate of speed for the whole trip?”

The “obvious” answer is 25 m.p.h., but that would be wrong. Take a quick look at a slideshow of some of the projects my students have done to see some nice explanations of confounding problems like these.

Simply stated, since the car spends more time traveling at the slower speed, this has the effect of reducing the average rate of speed below the average of 20 and 30. The surprising answer to this poser is 24 m.p.h.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. Games and Puzzles that Reach the Kids and Teach the Standards

Friday Afternoon Lifesavers are exactly what they sound like: at the end of the week when you and your students are running out of gas, these activities come to the rescue. They are mathematical, engaging, fun, and give the teacher a much-needed break.

Here’s a project that’s good for both algebra and geometry subjects. It has simple directions and teaches students to make accurate measurements and pay attention to symmetry and overall page layout. You can learn how to present the project to your students by viewing this screencast, or simply use  an LCD projector to show your students directly in class. Pause the screencast as needed during construction steps.

Enjoy your projects and your students will thank you when they see how nice their projects look!

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. Google SketchUp – Add Spice to Your 3D Geometry Lessons

Friday Afternoon Lifesavers are exactly what they sound like: at the end of the week when you and your students are running out of gas, these activities come to the rescue. They are mathematical, engaging, fun, and give the teacher a much-needed break.

The Tax Collector is an activity that reinforces the concepts of prime and composite numbers in a game-type format. It pits the class against the teacher in a wonderful competition that results in increased knowledge of integer factors and multiples. Watch Mr. L demonstrate the game to you (and your students). You can then extend the game by using different Number Banks.

Best wishes as you and your students explore this game and its extensions.

To receive all new posts – subscribe via email or RSS Web Feed.

Related posts:

1. Games and Puzzles that Reach the Kids and Teach the Standards