About

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Credits

Shaun Quek ; ‪Francisco Esquembre; ‪Felix J. Garcia Clemente; based on idea by theresa; Loo Kang WEE

1. Introduction:

This briefing document summarizes the main themes and important ideas presented in two related sources: a description of a "2 Player game for Shape Assembly" and information about the underlying "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet by Theresa." These resources, developed by Shaun Quek, Francisco Esquembre, Felix J. Garcia Clemente, and based on an idea by Theresa and Loo Kang Wee, focus on using interactive shape manipulation to teach fundamental mathematical concepts, particularly ratio and fractions, while also fostering critical thinking skills.

2. Main Themes and Important Ideas:

2.1 Interactive Learning of Ratio and Fractions through Geometry:

• The core idea revolves around a hands-on, visual approach to understanding abstract mathematical concepts. As stated in the description of the applet, "The objective of this interactive to help students understand the concept of fractions and ratios through basic geometry."
• The applet provides a set of different 2D shapes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). A crucial element is that "Each shape is constructed using the isosceles, right-angled triangle D (as seen in the image) as the base shape." This design allows students to intuitively grasp the relative areas of the different shapes by considering how many units of the base triangle 'D' make up each larger shape.
• Through experimentation and manipulation of these shapes, students can "figure the exact ratios of the areas of the different shapes compared to one another." This active discovery is intended to be more effective than passive learning of formulas.

2.2 Game-Based Learning for Engagement and Critical Thinking:

• The "2 Player game" aspect introduces a competitive and engaging element to the learning process. The title explicitly mentions learning "Ratio" and "critical thinking."
• The game involves assigning a value to the area of shape A (a large yellow square). Following this, the challenge is to "build a design worth ?? square units using A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H shapes." This requires students to apply their understanding of the ratios between the shapes to construct a composite figure with a target area.
• This process inherently promotes critical thinking as students need to plan their design, select appropriate shapes, and calculate their combined area to meet the specified target.

2.3 Technology-Enhanced Learning with HTML5 Javascript Applet:

• The resources utilize an interactive HTML5 Javascript applet, making them accessible through web browsers without the need for additional software. The "Embed" code provided in the applet description demonstrates its portability and ease of integration into online learning environments.
• The development of the applet leverages the Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS) Toolkit, as mentioned in the credits of the game description ("Compiled with EJS 6.1 BETA (201115)") and in the "Other Resources" section of the applet description, which links to the EJS Toolkit. This highlights the use of established open-source tools for educational simulation development.

2.4 Open Educational Resources:

• The inclusion of the "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" branding and the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License explicitly positions these resources as openly available for educational use. This encourages sharing, adaptation, and wider adoption.
• The applet's page is hosted within this OER platform, providing context and access to a wide range of other interactive learning tools.

2.5 Focus on Foundational Mathematical Concepts:

• The applet description lists keywords such as "Mathematics," "fractions," "2D Shapes," "Fractions of a Whole," and "Fractions Equivalent," indicating the primary mathematical focus of this interactive tool. The game builds upon these foundational concepts by requiring students to apply them in a problem-solving context involving ratios.

3. Key Features of the Shape Building Applet:

• Shape Manipulation: Students can interact with and arrange the provided shapes. The description mentions "students can play around with the different shapes available on the side panel to create larger shapes of various sizes and areas."
• Visual Representation: The use of distinct shapes and their construction from a common base unit (triangle D) provides a visual and intuitive way to understand area relationships.
• Game Mode: The applet includes a game component where students can set the value of shape A and then attempt to build a design with a specified target area.
• Teacher Resources: The "For Teachers" section suggests that the applet is designed for classroom use, although specific teacher guides or activities are not detailed in the provided excerpts. The "Sample Learning Goals" hint at the intended pedagogical outcomes.

4. Target Audience:

Based on the focus on fractions, ratios, and basic geometry, the primary target audience for these resources is likely elementary and middle school students. The game format could also be engaging for a wider age range depending on the complexity of the target areas set.

5. Potential Educational Benefits:

• Enhanced understanding of ratio and fractions through visual and interactive experiences.
• Development of spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Promotion of critical thinking through the design and construction tasks in the game.
• Increased engagement and motivation through the game-based learning approach.
• Accessibility and adaptability due to its HTML5 format and open licensing.

6. Conclusion:

The "2 Player game for Shape Assembly" and the underlying "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet by Theresa" offer a valuable approach to teaching fundamental mathematical concepts like ratio and fractions. By utilizing interactive shape manipulation and a game-based format, these open educational resources aim to make learning more engaging, intuitive, and effective, while also fostering critical thinking skills in students. The foundation of the shapes on a common triangular unit provides a clear visual basis for understanding area relationships and ratios. The accessibility of the HTML5 applet further enhances its potential for widespread use in educational settings.

Shape Assembly and Ratio Game Study Guide

Quiz

1. What is the fundamental geometric shape used to construct all other shapes in the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet"?
2. According to the description, what mathematical concepts is the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" primarily designed to help students understand?
3. Describe the basic premise of the two-player game mentioned in the title "2 Player game for Shape Assembly to learn Ratio and for critical thinking...".
4. What is the role of assigning a value to the area of shape A (the large yellow square) in the game?
5. What is the stated objective of the interactive simulation in relation to students' learning?
6. Who are the credited creators and contributors for both the "2 Player game for Shape Assembly..." and the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet"?
7. Where can a user find the link to run the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" simulation?
8. What are some of the activities that students can engage in with the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" beyond playing the two-player game?
9. What does the description suggest students should be able to determine through experimentation with the different shapes?
10. How might the interactive nature of the applet contribute to students' understanding of ratios and fractions?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The fundamental geometric shape used to construct all other shapes is the isosceles, right-angled triangle D.
2. The applet is primarily designed to help students understand the concepts of fractions and ratios through basic geometry.
3. The two-player game involves one player assigning a value to shape A and another player building a design with a specified worth in square units using various shapes.
4. Assigning a value to the area of shape A provides a basis for calculating the relative areas and ratios of the other shapes in the design.
5. The objective is to help students understand the concept of fractions and ratios through hands-on manipulation of geometric shapes.
6. The credited creators and contributors include Shaun Quek, Francisco Esquembre, Felix J. Garcia Clemente, with the idea based on Theresa and Loo Kang WEE.
7. The link to the simulation can be found on the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" page, explicitly mentioned under "Initial state of the simulation".
8. Beyond the two-player game, students can play around with the different shapes in the side panel to create larger shapes of various sizes and areas.
9. Through experimentation, students should be able to figure out the exact ratios of the areas of the different shapes compared to one another.
10. The interactive nature allows students to visually and kinesthetically explore the relationships between shapes and their areas, making abstract concepts like ratios and fractions more tangible and understandable.

Essay Format Questions

1. Discuss how the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" can be used as a tool to teach the fundamental concepts of fractions and ratios in a more engaging and effective manner compared to traditional methods. Provide specific examples of how students might learn through interaction with the applet.
2. Analyze the design and potential pedagogical benefits of the two-player game described in the title. How does the game format encourage critical thinking and the application of ratio concepts? Consider the roles of both players in your analysis.
3. Evaluate the significance of using a basic geometric shape (the isosceles right-angled triangle) as the foundation for constructing all other shapes in the applet. How does this design choice facilitate the understanding of area relationships and ratios?
4. Based on the provided excerpts, discuss the potential role of open educational resources like the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" in mathematics education. What are the advantages and potential challenges of using such interactive simulations in the classroom?
5. Considering the listed learning goals and the description of the applet, propose a lesson plan or activity that effectively integrates the "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" to teach a specific concept related to fractions or ratios to a particular grade level. Justify your pedagogical choices.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Ratio: A comparison of two quantities, often expressed as a fraction or using a colon (e.g., 1:2). In the context of the applet, it refers to the proportional relationship between the areas of different shapes.
• Fraction: A numerical quantity that is not a whole number (e.g., 1/2, 3/4). The applet helps visualize fractions as parts of a whole, with the fundamental triangle representing a unit of area.
• Square Units: A unit of area equal to the area of a square with sides of a specified length. The game uses square units to assign value to the shapes and the designs students build.
• Isosceles Right-Angled Triangle: A triangle with two sides of equal length and one right angle (90 degrees). This specific triangle (shape D) serves as the base unit for constructing other shapes in the applet.
• Interactive Simulation: A computer-based model that allows users to actively engage with and manipulate variables to observe the resulting changes. The "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" is an example of this.
• Shape Assembly: The process of combining smaller geometric shapes to create larger, more complex shapes. This is a core activity within the applet.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments. The two-player game aims to promote critical thinking as players strategize to build designs of a specific value.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Teaching, learning, and research materials that are freely available for everyone to use, adapt, and share. The "Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet" is hosted under an OER initiative.
• HTML5 Javascript Applet: A small application written in the HTML5 and Javascript programming languages that runs within a web browser, allowing for interactive experiences without the need for additional plugins.
• Pedagogy: The method and practice of teaching. The design and intended use of the applet reflect specific pedagogical approaches to learning mathematics.

Sample Learning Goals

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For Teachers

Shape Building Interactive HTML5 Javascript Applet

Initial state of the simulation

Description

This is a simple interactive where students can play around with the different shapes available on the side panel to create larger shapes of various sizes and areas. Each shape is constructed using the isosceles, right-angled triangle D (as seen in the image) as the base shape. Through experimentation, students should be able to figure the exact ratios of the areas of the different shapes compared to one another.

 

On the top panel is a simple game where students can assign the value of the area of shape A (the large yellow square), and can attempt to build a design whose area matches the other value specified. The objective of this interactive to help students understand the concept of fractions and ratios through basic geometry. 

 

The simulation in progress

The link to the simulation can be found here.

 

Research

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Video

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 Version:

1. https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/math/ejss_model_shape_assembly_mod/

Other Resources

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