About this Masterclass
The ability to work systematically, recognise patterns and extend observations to create general rules are all important skills for everyday life as well as being cornerstones of mathematical endeavour.
The aim of the Masterclass is for students to develop their skills in being systematic. They will conduct a mathematical investigation by counting squares in a chessboard, spot patterns and conjecture a rule for a chessboard of any side-length. Thinking systematically will enable them to be sure that they have counted all possible squares without missing any out or double-counting. They will extend their thinking to three dimensions by investigating cubes, starting with a 3x3 cube and developing a rule for cube of any side-length. In a longer Masterclass they will explore other two-dimensional shapes.
Length: 2 hours (see the session leader notes for ideas on how to shorten the Masterclass).
Resources needed
- 'Being Systematic' presentation (download from "Supporting documents")
- Student worksheets (download below)
- Paper and pencils
- Coloured pencils
- Multi-link cubes
- Tracing paper
- Supporting notes (download below)
- Computer and data projector
- Further details of quantities etc. can be found in Session Leader Notes
Supporting documents
All supporting notes, worksheets and solutions can be downloaded from this page along with the Powerpoint presentation.
The Session Leader Notes offer full notes on the activities and a detailed list of resources, including quantities needed.
The Session Helper Sheet can be distributed amongst helpers so they can better support the students.
Ask the Ri
You can collect any student questions and email them to the Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk - we will endeavour to answer them before the next Masterclass in your series.
Masterclass series support
For more information on running a Masterclass series and the support, templates and other resources available to you, please get in touch via masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.