I apologize for the chaotic nature of this free math video. I should have sent them out to run around first, apparently! Try to ignore all the random noises and I’m sure you’ll get something out of this!
This is just a brief introduction to the idea of “completing the square.” We will add more to this eventually, but I just want them to get the idea of dividing the coefficient of “x” in half and then squaring that number to complete the square. Obviously they need a few more times of this for it to really sink in!
In this free math video we actually use the Pythagorean Theorem to figure out the answers to some problems about slides at a playground. They seem to understand it! I’m sure it will become even more clear over time, but I love seeing how easy Cuisenaire Rods make all of these abstract concepts that many kids struggle with!
Children in middle and high school would benefit from this type of introduction to right triangles, too! I sure wish I would have been taught this way!
Here’s part two of our intro to the Pythagorean Theorem where we move on to introducing the actual formula of a2 + b2 = c2 to find the sides of a right triangle. The fact that they proved it for themselves first will help them to remember it in the future. It won’t be just another formula void of meaning to be memorized for a test.
Using Cuisenaire Rods or other similar manipulatives is an excellent way to introduce complex math concepts to children. They can see and touch math instead of just hearing and writing abstract symbols.
