Reshuffling to make perfect square

Learning Outcomes

Student will be able to 

i) visualise the meaning of terms in an Algebraic Expression (  namely linear and quadratic expressions ) in relation with Area of rectangle and square.

ii) understand process of factorisation 

iii) demonstrate process of factorisation

Description Of Activity

Students should be assigned well in advance to prepare rectangles and squares of different dimension with colour papers. ( caution : dimension x should be of same unit for all the students). 

According to the number of terms in an algebraic expression student will be divided in groups holding respective colour papers and respective shapes ( square or rectangle ). For example , let an algebraic expression, x sq+3x+2

ROUND 1  :

GROUP1 : One student will be holding a square ( colour paper) of side x unit 

GROUP 2 : 3 child will be holding rectangle of length x unit and breadth of 1 unit of same colour depicting middle term of the expression and

GROUP 3 : one child holding rectangle of length 2unit and breadth 1 unit namely the last term

at 3 distinct parts of the playground.

ROUND 2 : 

One student from GROUP 2, will we be instructed to run with its colour paper at the place of GROUP 1, and stand in such a way such that it's position of colour paper will lead closer to the formation of a SQUARE. Students can reshuffle themselves at a position , if required.

Now this step will be repeated untill a perfect square is not formed by their colour papers holded by them.

Variations

The same activity can be performed by two teams with different algebraic expressionfactorisation involving rectangles and squares of different dimensions depicting terms of their respective algebraic expressions. the team taking lesser rounds to form a perfect square can be anounced winner.

Coaching Tips

Student must be well versed with 

i) formulae of area of  rectangle and square

ii) factorisation of whole numbers

 

Equipment/Material Required

i) colour papers

ii) rular, scissors and marker