Review 2 Citation:
Smith, L. (1999). Exploring polygon rings. School Science and
Mathematics, 99(7) 363-73.
Quotation:
"How do students benefit from these activities? First, they
should recognize that there are connections between algebra and
informal geometry. Second, problem solving heuristics and opportunities
for student communication are addressed. But, perhaps most importantly,
they see that mathematics is a vibrant science with a beauty and
structure that is manifested most clearly when the beholder has a
command of the proper tools of inquiry." (p.368).
"A polygon ring is a collection of mutually congruent polygons such
that (a) each polygon has exactly two edges in common with two other
polygons in the collection, (b) the collection bounds a single
connected region of nonzero area, and (c) each polygon in the
collection has at least one point in common with the unbounded
exterior." (p.363).
Explanation and Comments:
This article caught my attention because I had never heard of a
polygon ring. Even after reading this article, I am still slightly
confused. I wonder if this wouldn't be too complicated for my 4th grade
students because it is so involved.
Another interesting thing that I found in this article was that
these activities could be done without technology if necessary. While
most students enjoy using and sometimes relate better to technology, it
wasn't required to complete the lesson. I thought this was an important
aspect of working in a school system. We are definitely not able to
receive all of the newest and best technology. We are very fortunate to
have access to a wealth of technology and welcome any new programs and
ideas, but we aren't able to afford to stay ahead of the technology
world. It's so fast pace.
Another aspect of this article that fits with my previous one is that
of inquiry based instruction and learning. This is such a crucial part
of teaching and learning. We, as teachers, have to know when to back
off and let the students work to reach a goal. Many times we don't give
them the credit that they deserve. They are usually more capable than
we think. If given the chance, they really can excel.
I continue to hear a lot about Geometer's Sketchpad, which is one of
the programs that is used in Polygon Rings. This is an older program
that many teachers have used and been successful. I am hoping to look
deeper into that program and see exactly what it has to offer.
Hadley McCutcheon BACK