Prove it

Author: Sara Sprague

Ohaaki, Mathematics and Statistics

Posted 18 months ago

“Learn it , Prove it” is a Wairakei Primary School way of sharing ‘aha’ moments of student learning. When a student gains new understanding, sharing their understanding cements and so to speak: “proves it”.

odd + odd = even

I can prove that odd plus odd equals even; even + odd = odd

Securing students' number knowledge has been an important learning focus this term. Identifying patterns in our number system helps develop a student's understanding of how numbers work.

Working with odd and even numbers is a great area to highlight patterns in numbers.

When students have a secure understanding of what odd and even numbers are and what makes a number odd or even, these statements can be presented to students:

odd + odd = even
even + odd = odd
even + even = even

Students then test or “prove it” that these statements are true by writing their own addition problems.

Here is an example of some Room 3 “Prove it” learning.

Learning Intention: identify patterns in numbers

Success Criteria

I can write and solve my own addition problems to prove these statements are correct.

even + odd = odd

I can prove that even plus odd always equals an odd number. Kayleen

even + even = even

I am proving that even plus even always equals even. I decided to prove it with some really big numbers. Kian

Extension

Can students come up with their own subtraction statement with odd and even numbers and prove it?

I found out that if you subtract an even number from an even number, the answer is always going to be an even number. Benjamin

I said that even, take away even always makes an even number, and then I proved it. Aiden

My whiteboard shows if you take an odd number away from another odd number, you will end up with an even number. Lennon

I proved that even plus even always equals even. Then I found my own patterns with odd and even numbers and subtraction. Finn

Sara Sprague

I have been teaching since 2004. I started teaching at Wairakei Primary School in 2011. I am married to Steve and we have two children – Myles and Amelia. Myles and Amelia both enjoyed their primary school years here at Wairakei Primary School. I am really proud to be part of this school and appreciate all the amazing opportunities that are given to our children.

I like working with children and teaching. I love the fun that can be had and the feeling of being a part of a child’s growth and development. My favourite subject is maths. I appreciate the patterns and connections that can be found in numbers and I enjoy problem-solving. I have trained as a Math Specialist Teacher (MST).

My family and I love living in the Taupō area. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog and mountain biking - which is a particular family passion.