Mathematics
Strategy: Math on a Mat
Appropriate Grade Level: Elementary though High School
Procedures/Steps:
 Large mat with grid painted on. Each square should be about seventy
centimeters by seventy centimeters.
 Students will need rope or sting.
 Place students in small groups of two to three.
 Once placed in groups, problems are given.
1. Example: make a triangle that has an area of seven and half
square. While working together and moving the students try to
make come up with the triangle. The teacher allows students to
work though the problem.
 Teacher helps groups that are not able to construct the shape/shapes or
do not construct the shape/shapes to the specified dimensions.
Comments and/or tips:
 Allow students to work though problems
 Only intervene when absolutely necessary
 When students are given similar problems on a work sheet or
homework remind them that it is like question done on the map.
 Can be sued for geometry, algebra, measurements, chance and data.
Source:
Skoss, M. (2005). Math on a mat. Mathematics Teaching, 192 (September),
6-8.