This problem solving activity has a statistics focus.
I have socks, shorts, singlets, trousers, jumpers, track pants, t-shirts, gloves, scarves, pants, and a jacket.
But I only have 3 drawers to keep them in.
How can I decide what group of clothes to keep in each drawer?
How many different ways could I decide what group of clothes to keep in each drawer?
This problem is about being able to sort everyday objects into categories. The students need to think of what features the clothes have in common and what features make them different. They need to sort the clothes into three sets so that all three drawers have something in them. The students need to decide on the categories themselves and be able to explain why each piece of clothing does or does not belong in it. Key words that are used here are: same, different, set or groups.
Being able to find common properties of objects, and being able to describe these properties, are important skills in mathematics and statistics.
I have socks, shorts, singlets, trousers, jumpers, track pants, t-shirts, gloves, scarves, pants, and a jacket. But I only have 3 drawers to keep them in.
How can I decide what group of clothes to keep in each drawer?
How many different ways could I decide on?
Change the number of drawers, or add a cupboard. The solutions will be dependent on the numbers used. Let the students think which drawer the clothes they are wearing would fit into.
Students need to be allowed to decide on their own categories. They must be able to give the reasons why each piece of clothing either belongs or doesn’t belong in the drawer.
Some categories of clothes that are put into different drawers might be: Winter clothes, underwear, and long/short sleeves, or summer clothes, bottoms, and tops.
Printed from https://meaningfulmaths.nt.edu.au/mmws/nz/resource/not-enough-drawers at 8:54pm on the 26th February 2024