To begin our maths learning in Danes, we are enjoying ‘A Week of Inspirational Maths’ which includes learning all about the importance of understanding how our brains work, how important it is to make mistakes and to challenge ourselves. Having a growth mindset is important if we are to make the best possible progress. Each day, we are enjoying different investigations which we are working on together.
Our week began with an investigation in which we were challenged to fill an 11 x 13 rectangle with squares with the aim to use a few squares as possible. To end, some of us moved onto creating a range of rectangles using exactly nine squares.
Next, we explored an unsolved conjecture relating to a sequence called the ‘Hailstone Sequence’. In this sequence, if a number is even, it is halved. If a number is odd it is multiplied by three and then one is added. We were tasked with writing conjectures down as we spotted patterns.
In our final lesson, we had some fun investigating the colours on a Rubik’s cube. We had to convince ourselves, our partner and Miss Branagan about how many of the 27 cubes have three coloured faces, how many have two and how many have one. To see if we were right, we then had the fun job of making our own Rubik’s cubes using sugar cubes and felt tips – this was trickier than we initially thought! A growth mindset and good teamwork were the keys to success.
