Explain this
Maths on Fire: Matchstick Maths
How the publisher describes it:
“Provides guidance and examples of how matchsticks can be used in a range of mathematical puzzles. This book includes puzzles which are designed for the 7-14 age range.”
Review by Val Griffiths
In brief:
A useful book, which is easy to use and has ideas that will prompt reasoning and conversation through a kinaesthetic activity. If you have matchsticks this has the ideas for starters or for whole lesson investigations.
“Constructive arguments and explanations going on in groups of all levels”
Being a big fan of coloured matchsticks, as mathematical resources, I was really excited about what new delights this book would hold for me and my equally excited Year 6 pupils!
The puzzle challenges, which are usefully provided on CD for easy printing, are easy to understand and, once you have tried a few, encourage you to think around the problem rather than looking for the obvious. Each puzzle has the solution attached (be wary not to look if you want to test yourself before the children) and also has a challenge question for extending those who finish quicker than others.
The kinaesthetic element of the puzzles was not only fun but, for most children, was essential to understanding them. However, whilst manipulating the matchsticks the level of conjecture and convincing going on across table was high with constructive arguments and explanations going on in groups of all levels. The book comes with some generic questions for any of the puzzles, which were used to further stimulate the discussions and to challenge children to look beyond their first solutions.
I have seen some of these puzzles before, and some of the suggestions on using these ideas in lessons, especially algebra, are not new thinking. However to have them in such a convenient form, alongside the guidance of how to create and develop more puzzles with particular strands of maths in mind, will make me refer to and use this book regularly across both Key Stage 1 and 2.
Val Griffiths • Leading Maths Teacher and Primary Maths Specialist
Paperback: 70 pages
Publisher: Millgate House Publishers (15 May 2005)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0952750635
ISBN-13: 978-0952750635
Product Dimensions: 29.5 x 21 x 5 cm
