Abandoning Dead Ends: Presenting the Heart of Mathematics to All Students
Seminar Leader: Dr. Michael Starbird, Distinguished Teaching Professor in Mathematics at The University of Texas at Austin
Mathematics is often viewed as a strict and serious discipline, devoid of fun or adventure. This teacher seminar approached the subject with a sense of curiosity and wonder, illustrating that math can be both accessible and enjoyable. In the following resources, seminar materials have been focused and refined into practical classroom applications that busy teachers can easily fold into their existing course curricula.
Toolkit offerings include:
The Sierpinski Triangle - In this TEKS aligned lesson, students use fractal geometry to create a multi-color version of the beautiful Sierpinski triangle. Includes an interactive creation of the triangle for teacher use. Designed for grade 8-10 courses that include a geometry component.
- Sierpinski Triangle Lesson Plan (PDF)
- Sierpinski Triangle Student Handout (PDF)
- Sierpinski Triangle Flash Demonstration (link opens in new window)
The Magic Grid - A linear algebraic equation helps students solve a puzzle based on a simple 28 square grid in this TEKS aligned lesson. Includes an interactive diagram for teacher use. Designed for grade 8-10 courses that include an algebra component.
- Magic Grid Lesson Plan (PDF)
- Magic Grid Student Handout (PDF)
- Magic Grid Flash Demonstration (link opens in new window)
Annotated Bibliography - Print and Internet resources related to math activities and education.
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Image credit: Wolfgang Beyer, Wikipedia (2005)
Project funded by UTOPIA