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Eric O'Brien
Posts:
38
From:
Bellmore Schools
Registered:
9/19/08
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Pascal's Triangle
Posted:
Nov 2, 2008 8:24 AM
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Pascal's triangle is one of the marvels of number theory. I seek to share space here for trading information on the triangle with teachers on grades 6-12. If you have information regarding Pascal's triangle:
- the history behind the triangle
- methods of displaying the triangle in classrooms or hallways
- number theory hidden in the triangle
- word problems or art tied to the triangle
Please post your information here.
As a first posting, I'd like to share a method for displaying Pascal's triangle in the classroom. Most textbook series include blackline masters for graph paper and related worksheets. Find a hexagonal grid (also available on the net), and print out 15 or 20 copies, preferably on colored stock paper. Post the hexagons in a triangular honeycomb, vertices pointed north to south. There are some wonderful examples of the display on the web, if you need further directions on how to assemble the triangle.
As an initial step, post the first 8 rows on a bulletin board. Let the kids just look at it and let them begin asking questions. Prompt them by asking what patterns they notice. They may find patterns that we don't even see.
Have fun!
Eric O'Brien
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