Mazes and Math!
Doing a maze relates to math in the following ways:
Mathematical Processes:
- Problem Solving - finding your way through a maze can be done by trial and error however other methods could be employed for better efficiency
- Reasoning - mazes require the use of logic so as to not become trapped in dead ends
- Connections - learning to do mazes more efficiently can be transferred to other tasks
Nature of Mathematics:
- Spatial Sense - completing a maze requires visualisation, and spatial reasoning, possible transfer between 2D and 3D spaces (see my Article to learn more about improving spatial reasoning)
- Uncertainty - predictions are necessary to successfully move through a maze
Strands:
- Patterns and Relations - certain methods of solving mazes can be formed by using a system of patterns or variables
- Shape and Space - understanding transformations as a person or object moves through a maze
- Statistics and Probability - understanding that chance can help solve a maze and that there can only be so many possible correct and incorrect paths
Mazes are visually interesting and fun to complete. Students can complete the above maze, create their own, complete and create online mazes (on websites such as Online Maze Designer), and share them with one another.
Further Reading on Mazes and Math:
For interests sake, this video could be used as an anticipatory set, as a lesson closer, or as an extension. Perhaps it could even lead to a maze related field trip...
To extend the idea of mazes towards a more concrete number strand concept, the following worksheets from Worksheet Works may be used. This combines the practice of math facts with a more attractive form of delivery which is still based on some sort of visual element.
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