ADAPT Program: Lesson Plans
Date of this Version
1996
Abstract
This mathematical exercise is presented in the form of a learning cycle. The purpose of the exercise is to experience the application of elementary pure mathematics (9th grade algebra) to solve a physical and a geometric problem. The content is actually a special case of what has been called spirolaterals.
The physical problem is to hang six different weights on a windchime so it hangs level. The geometric problem is to construct an equiangular hexagon with side lengths 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 if possible.
Comments
This article was presented to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, in February 1996 at Rapid City SD, under the title “Three Courses, Two Puzzles, and One Idea.”