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Recreational Math for the Classroom

MAT-915
3 Credits
Online
4.93/5.00
MAT-915
3 Credits
Online
4.93/5.00

What is the Recreational Math for the Classroom course?

Through this 100% online professional development course, educators will discover how recreational mathematics is real mathematics but presented in a context that makes it engaging, interesting, and challenging. The regular use of mathematical recreations throughout the school year can serve to convince students that math can be exciting and rewarding.

Recreational Math Defined

The term recreational math refers to any game, puzzle or activity that fosters mathematical curiosity, playful problem solving, satisfaction, and enjoyment. It can be used as an integral part of daily lessons, to promote discovery, or just for fun. Educators have used popular activities such as:

  • Sudoku, Nerdle, and other logic challenges
  • Brainteasers
  • Puzzles
  • Riddles
  • Games
  • Paradoxes
  • Math magic
  • Number theory "tricks"

What will you learn in Recreational Math for the Classroom?

The Recreational Math for the Classroom course is designed to help K-12 teachers implement recreational math activities in meaningful ways. Participants will gain a new appreciation of what is available within the world of recreational math and how this can capture the interest and motivation of students who often find mathematics dull and uninteresting.

Participants in the course will learn to:

  • play with puzzles, games, riddles, number tricks, and brainteasers.
  • explore the significant roles of recreational mathematics.
  • locate and utilize recreational math resources.
  • develop a collection of grade-level appropriate activities.
  • successfully integrate recreational math activities into standards-based teaching.

National Standards

  • Common Core Standards for Mathematics
  • National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

"This course provided me with hands-on, recreational math activities that I can implement in my classroom right away. The instructor was prompt in providing feedback, and the forums were a great place to share ideas with colleagues."

- Educator from Ohio

NOTE: This course is applicable towards the Mathematics Teaching Certificate and Student Engagement Certificate.

More courses that may interest you:

Candi Reimer

Instructor
As a beginning mathematics teacher at an urban high school, I quickly realized that drawing on student interests and experiences was essential to engaged learning. This insight has guided my work in education as a K-12 instructional coach, a developer of mathematics curriculum, and an instructor of professional development. My courses aim to create space for teachers to gather around relevant ideas and practical experiences as they deepen their knowledge and professional practice. Course topics reflect the concerns and curiosities of practicing teachers, equipping them to directly apply learning to classroom teaching. I value the diverse perspectives that Fresno Pacific University students bring to the learning community, and I hope that participants in my courses will be as inspired as I have been by the ideas and dialogue generated here.