Annenberg Media Home Home FAQ View Programs Buy Videos Workshops & Courses

Math for All-Plus

What's My Rule?


The world of mathematics is comprised of patterns,
models, tables, rules and formulas to show relationships
between numbers.  If I say 2, you say 4, I say 16, you
say 256-what's my number?  In this program we will play
games that will help your child unlock the mystery of the
relationship between numbers.


During this math program you will help your children:



Activity #1

Tear It Up!

Materials:


In this activity you will investigate "doubling" by tearing paper! Tear a sheet of paper in half. When you make one tear, you have two pieces of paper. Record these numbers on a chart such as on the one below.

Now put each half in a stack and tear the stack in half. You have made two tears and have how many pieces? Record this, then put these two pieces in a stack and make another tear. Record your results for the third tear. Continue stacking, tearing, counting and recording until you have discovered the pattern. How many pieces will you have after 10 tears. If a ream of paper contains 500 pieces, how many reams of paper will you have after 10 tears? Can you name the rule for the pattern? How can we write this rule using math symbols?

Tears Pieces
1 2
2 4
3 .
4 .
5 .
6 .
7 .
8 .
9 .
10 .
 Additional Activities: Try doing this activity by tearing the paper and each stack into thirds. How does the pattern change?



Activity #2

Where's My Number?

Materials:


This exciting game can be played by two or more players. One player draws two large intersecting circles-Venn Diagram-on a piece of paper and decides the "secret rule" for each circle. For example, Player A could choose multiples of 6 (6,12,18, 24, etc.) for one circle and multiples of 7 (7,14,21,28,etc.) for the other. Only numbers that are multiples of 6 and 7 can go in the intersection of the two circles.

The other players take turns calling out numbers between 1 and 100. If a number is called out that is a multiple of 7, player A writes that number in the appropriate circle. If a number is called out that is not a multiple of 6 or 7, it is wrtten outside of the two circles. Play continues until the other player(s) guess the secret rule for each circle.

Additional Activities: This game can also be played using secret rules that involve fractions or geometry. For example, you might use multiples of 1/4 (1/4, 2/4=1/2, 3/4, 4/4=1, etc.)



Activity #3

Dining Out

Materials:


The Brownsville Center is planning a family festival. All of the tables for each family must be joined together on one side. Each table is a pentagon (5 sides) and only one person can sit on each side of the table. How many tables will be needed to seat the Clark family of 20?

Use five toothpicks to make one pentagon, which represents one table. Five people can sit at this table. Record this on the chart.

Number
of
tables
 
Number
of
people
1 5
2 8
3 .
4 .
5 .
6 .
7 .

Now add another pentagon (or table); how many people can sit at two joined tables? Add another table and continue to record the number of tables and number of people each time. After 4 or 5 tables (pentagons) have been put together, can you see a pattern? How would you explain the pattern in words? How can this rule be expressed using math symbols?

Additional Activities: Use the toothpicks to show how 20 people can sit at square tables that are not attached. How about tables with six sides? Discuss with your child which is the best way to seat large numbers of people. Why do you think your way is best? Think about table arrangements in restaurants; are they using the best table arrangements for the space in the restaurant?


Home | Catalog | About Us | Search | Contact Us | Site Map

© 1997-2009 Annenberg Media. All rights reserved. Legal Policy