In the HOT Math series we publish a number of Hands-On Tasks for Mathematics. The practical activities link mathematics to other school subjects or to students’ experiences. Students’ age group: ± 12-14 yrs. No lesson plans are offered, as each idea will need adaptation to class level.
The students discover and learn to discover. Mathematics is not merely reproducing, but actively producing. The manipulative materials in this HOT Math series are learners’ materials and not demonstration aids for the teachers.
Activity: Spatial insight, combine: 4-cubers
Required material:
4 cubes for every student or for every two students
Task 1:
– Find out how many 4-cubers exist.
– Explicite what definition is used for equivalence.
Additional task (3D-2D conversion, technical drawing):
– Draw front view, top view, and side view for every “different” 4-cuber.
See also: Applets Building with Blocks and Inquiry-Based Learning in Practice
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