| "The PUZZLE of PYTHAGORAS" Math Product Description:
A puzzle inspired by the Golden Ratio which fascinated Pythagoras and his followers!
These magnetic-backed foam puzzle pieces form one large regular pentagon. The instructions challenge kids to form additional sets of pentagons using the puzzle pieces, providing a tactile demonstration how shapes proportioned with the Golden Ratio fit together.
Shapes proportioned to the Golden Ratio also provide a tactile and visual demonstration of the Fibonacci sequence. Two triangles are formed from 1 and 2 puzzle pieces, respectively. The puzzle pieces from those two triangles (now 3 puzzle pieces) form a third triangle. The puzzle pieces that form triangle 2 and 3 (now 5 puzzle pieces) form a 4th triangle. The puzzle pieces can be used to form the first 7 numbers of the Fibonacci sequence.
Product Specifications:
Ages: 10+
Product Size: 6" x 6" x 0.25"
Product Weight: 0.2 lbs
Product Contents:
Instructions
17 foam, magnetic-backed puzzle pieces
Plastic zip-lock bag
Product Notes for International Import:
The following countries do not allow magnetized materials, such as PUZZLE of PYTHAGORAS, imported:
Bahamas, Bermuda, Croatia, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Norway, Tanzania, Tunisia
SAFETY WARNINGS:
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Keep this kit away from small children.
A NOTE FROM LAURI:
Since the Golden Ratio is an irrational number, this puzzle is a visual tactile tool for elementary school. Upper elementary curriculums that introduce irrational numbers can make the learning fun with this visual and tactile puzzle. Linking the Golden Ratio with real-life usage, such as buildings from Ancient Greece (like the Parthenon) helps make the Golden Ratio interesting and fascinating for kids.
The Fibonacci sequence, and how it appears in nature is appropriate for middle school. Using the puzzle shapes to demonstrate the Fibonacci sequence is a fun tactile learning tool for middle school.
Proving the Golden Ratio requires solving a quadratic equation, appropriate for high school. This fairly simple puzzle has use from upper elementary through high school due to the learning process from introduction of irrational numbers, Fibonacci sequence, and a visual demonstration for quadratic equations. |
