Enjoyable Mathematics

Author: Liu Qinghua / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Is this true? CCTV's "Zheng Da Zong Ji" program had a segment called "Is It True or False," where guests watched a video clip and judged whether a certain statement was true or false based on the context. During this process, the guests constantly hesitated between "true" and "false," debating and affirming in thought, creating a lively atmosphere. Inspired by this, I had an idea: could this activity format, whichs great enthusiasm for critical thinking among participants, be applied to my mathematics teaching? So, while teaching "Years, Months, and Days," I tried giving the students the following set of questions:
Think about it—do you think this is true?
(1) An elderly man with white hair is 84 years old this year, but he says he has only celebrated 21 birthdays. Is this true?
(2) Xiao Jie says his birthday is the 30th, but he also says it's neither in a big month nor in a small month. Is this true?
(3) A major news report has recently circulated: starting next year, the "International Children's Day" will be officially moved to June 30th. Is this true?
(4) Xiao Ming says his father and Uncle Zhang agreed to meet at Uncle Li's house the next day at 8 a.m., but when they both arrived on time, they didn't see each other. Is this true?
Amidst the students' excited shouts of "true," "false," "not true," and "true," I could sense their learning enthusiasm beinged once again. One student said, "The old man has only celebrated 21 birthdays—what are you kidding? He's not even young. It must be false!" Another countered, "No, what if he was born on February 29th? That could be true." Others discussed, "Really changing Children's Day? I haven't heard that—I don't want that!" "That's definitely false—think about it: does June have 31 days?" "You're right—I didn't realize that! June only has 30 days! It must be false."
The students chimed in one after another, none willing to lag behind, engaging in lively and serious discussions. P3