1. Triangle, Square, Circle Doncaster Adult Family & Community Learning

2. Topic Aims Method Equipment Duration Level Hidden
Triangle, Square, Circle
Aims
Ice breaker, how does the machine work? What operations are done to the input to create the output?
Can we predict the output with different numbers? Can we say what the rule is?
Introduce the idea of substitution. What is the input was x?
Level
Level 1 and Level 2
Method
Ice breaker before a Lesson Starts.
Equipment
Whiteboards
Whiteboard Pens
Pens/Pencils
Paper if needed
Duration
>10 to 20 Minutes
Hidden

3. 3 Triangle, Square, Circle 1 4 5 3 2 12 1
Learners are asked to draw this diagram on white boards 1 1 4 3 12
To Print 3 2 5
Instructions
Consecutive numbers are placed in the three triangles.
Each square is the sum of the two closest triangles
The circle is the sum of the squares
Demonstrate how these rules work then allow learners to choose a number and work individually to complete the diagram.
Ask learners to choose three new numbers to go in the triangles and instantly tell them the answer, ‘as if by magic’.

4. Triangle, Square, Circle To Print
Learners are asked to check if I am correct and then to suggest what the ‘rule’ is. What happen to the first number so that we get the last number.
This activity can then be extended to introduce algebra.
Introduce the idea that the triangles are equal to x, x+1, x+2 for whatever consecutive are inputted.
Then discuss how the middle number will always equal 6x+6
To Print

5. For further information please contact The STEM Alliance or visit