Toothpick Problem
During class Mr. Kirby had us watch a video and made us figure out what the problem was.
Here is the video:
http://threeacts.mrmeyer.com/toothpicks/act1/act1.mov
We then split up into groups of four and came up with different ways to solve it. My group came up with a more mathematical way to solve the problem. Which was, "How many layers can you make with 250 toothpicks?". I personally didn't know how to solve this problem, but after I saw how my group members approached the problem it clicked.
Here is the video:
http://threeacts.mrmeyer.com/toothpicks/act1/act1.mov
We then split up into groups of four and came up with different ways to solve it. My group came up with a more mathematical way to solve the problem. Which was, "How many layers can you make with 250 toothpicks?". I personally didn't know how to solve this problem, but after I saw how my group members approached the problem it clicked.
Something that also helped was creating the actual pyramid with the toothpicks and seeing how many layers I could make.
Step 1:
The first thing my group and I did was create a mathematical formula that would help us solve the problem.
Step 2:
Once we had a problem that worked with figured out the numbers for it.
Step 3:
Double checking the problem and making sure that it was right by making the layers.
Step 4:
Finding a good way to explain to the class the problem.
The first thing my group and I did was create a mathematical formula that would help us solve the problem.
Step 2:
Once we had a problem that worked with figured out the numbers for it.
Step 3:
Double checking the problem and making sure that it was right by making the layers.
Step 4:
Finding a good way to explain to the class the problem.
Personal Thoughts On the Problem
At first, I didn't really understand or like the problem. I am not good with word problems because I don't know how to start them. Once I have a hint or formula on how to do it I can figure it out.
One thing I also learned was that working in a group setting isn't that bad. I personally have hated working in groups ever since a really bad experience, but this mini group project really changed my perspective on it.
I also improved my mathematical skills by learning to not give up. In many math problems I often feel like giving up or not trying when I can't find the answer. During this project, my group and I figured out a formula that was allowed us to solve the problem.
One thing I also learned was that working in a group setting isn't that bad. I personally have hated working in groups ever since a really bad experience, but this mini group project really changed my perspective on it.
I also improved my mathematical skills by learning to not give up. In many math problems I often feel like giving up or not trying when I can't find the answer. During this project, my group and I figured out a formula that was allowed us to solve the problem.