ERIC Number: EJ1314210
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2156-1400
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Multiplication by Sunlight: How Can a Geometric Definition Be Realized in a Physical Tool?
Dimmel, Justin; Pandiscio, Eric; Bock, Camden
Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, v12 n1 p9-16 Spr 2021
Physical models for exploring multiplication are fixtures in elementary classrooms. The most widely used physical models of multiplication are collections of discrete things, such as Cuisenaire rods, Unifix Cubes, or Base-10 Blocks. But discrete physical models are limited in the products they can represent. By contrast, pictorial models, such as number lines or area models, are continuous and thus represent a broader range of products. However, pictorial models are limited in how they can be manipulated. The discrete/continuous divide across physical/pictorial representations of multiplication frames the overarching design problem that motivated our work: How could a physical, manipulable tool realize a continuous model of multiplication? This is a significant problem because, to our knowledge, there are no examples of physical models of multiplication that offer the plasticity of pictorial models. We describe one such model here--an analog technology that we refer to as a "Sunrule." We explain the design of the device and report an initial instructional activity where pre-service teachers explored the device in groups.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Multiplication, Elementary School Mathematics, Geometric Concepts, Models, Measurement Techniques, Manipulative Materials, Pictorial Stimuli, Elementary School Teachers, Mathematics Teachers, Preservice Teachers
Program in Mathematics and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University. 525 West 120th Street Box 210-M, New York, NY 10027. Web site: https://jmetc.columbia.edu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: IIS1822800
Author Affiliations: N/A