Saturday, February 25, 2012

Algebra Fun

A few weeks ago myself and some teachers from our FOS attended the Y4MA Spring Conference on Patterning and Algebra.  Dr. Ruth Beatty was the plenary speaker.  I got to hear her and her writing / researching partner Dr. Cathy Bruce speak at Math Camppp, and I couldn't wait to hear her again.

During the plenary session, each group was given a "secret" equation and then represented it using two colour tiles.  Can you figure out what the rule is for each of these representations?






After a great dinner, I attended the Grade 3-6 session.  Our facilitators were Cathy Chaput and Mike Davis.  They lead us in some great discussion about algebra, and shared with us a great activity involving the book 10 Black Dots.  We had to predict how many black dots we would need should there be a sequel to the book.  This was a great experience as there were about 20 teachers in the room all working in groups of 2 - This lead us to have almost 10 different strategies that were used to help solve the problem.

If you are interested in learning more about patterning and algebra, Dr's Beatty and Bruce have a new book coming out this spring called "From Patterns to Algebra."  It is being published by Nelson Education and includes lessons, ideas on how to link the curriculum between the different grades and division, and also has videos of teachers learning, and whiteboard slides that go along with the lessons in the book.  The cost for the bundle is about $125 and includes the book and the DVD. 

OAME (Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators) local conferences are a great way to get some quick, specific PD after school that is not only cost effective, but close to home and applicable.  Next time you see one, ask your administrator if they will cover the cost for you to attend.  They are about $35 per person (non-OAME member) and usually include a great meal.  You can learn more about OAME and the local chapters at www.oame.on.ca

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