Mathematical
Problem Solving
Knot Theory Problem
(a
personal favourite)
Preparation:
-
Over the course of the week before this activity have children bring in a tazo. (they know what they are).
- cut out about 10 pieces of cardboard in the
shape of a tazo as it is rather predictable that certain students will not bring
in the required materials ;)
- Make sure each child has a pair of scissors.
-
Have some wool on hand.
Method: - The Teacher Does These Steps
1.
Punch two holes through a Tazo, a bayblade (or a small piece of cardboard) using a holepunch or an electric drill.
2.
Loop c. 30cm of wool through the Tazo and tie it with a firm knot.
3.
Tie the wool and tazo to the handle of a pair of safety scissors as shown here.
The
Problem - Attempt to remove the string loop by: not bending the tazo, not
cutting the string or undoing the knot and then put it back on. This is a logical
thinking puzzle not a brute force one.
Just for Fun:
- Make
it that the children are not allowed to use their scissors until they solve the
puzzle :)
Remember:
-
This is 'problem solving NOT problem showing'. Do not show the solution
to your friends no matter how much they whine, you will take away the a-ha feeling
from them.
- when they do show their friends how to do it (and they will) discuss
how it is funny that no-one got the solution and then all at once heaps of people
did ;)
- Discuss the taking away of the a-ha feeling as a whole group.
