Generating a system of shapes. Groups work together to create a number system using three different shapes as symbols. The groups should come up with the rules that generate all the possible permutations of the three shapes.

Concepts

number systems, binary code, symbols, computer science, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Lead a short discussion on the rules of the base-10 number system
• Have individuals share the strategy their group used in order to generate all the permutations and ask if that system would work no matter how many shapes they included

Classroom Considerations

• The whip-around strategy is where pupils answer the question one at a time; each new answer cannot duplicate a previously given response
• The fifth in a series of 19

Pros

• The teaching information comes with a video that supplies tips and tricks about the lesson
• Includes content information, such as showing all the permutations of the three symbols

Cons

• None