Mathematics
Estimation in Year 1J
The overarching key ideas for all mathematical concepts are estimation, benchmarks, visualisation, equality and equivalence, language, and strategies. These six key ideas have a broad application and are fundamental to enabling students to connect concepts across all areas of mathematics.
Our Year 1 students have been busy learning about estimation and how it is a ‘thoughtful guess’ about the value of something. The children first estimated the number of gems in the jar. Using information gained and benchmarking along the way, they worked together and discussed possible estimates of other jars with their peers.
They learned that they could change their estimate as they gathered new information.
Perfect Patterns in Foundation
A pattern is a regularity or consistency in the arrangement of elements, such as in numbers, letters, shapes, objects, or colours. In early algebra, there are two main types of patterns: repeating patterns and growing patterns. In Foundation, we have been learning to make, describe, copy and continue patterns. We have also learned that a repeating pattern has a unit of repeat. We had much fun continuing our classmate’s patterns!
Math Olympiad Has Begun!
At St James, we aspire to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and optimism to enrich the world and live meaningful lives. Through our Mathematics Enrichment program, we aim to develop high-level mathematical problem solving and thinking skills for students and have offered the opportunity for a group of senior school students to join the St James Maths Olympiad team.
The Junior Division Maths Olympiad is specifically designed to stimulate and challenge students at the primary school level. It teaches major problem-solving strategies and strengthens students’ mathematical intuition prior to starting secondary school.
The main aims of the program are to:
- Introduce students to important mathematical concepts
- Teach major strategies and develop flexibility for problem-solving
- Foster creativity and ingenuity and strengthen intuition
- Stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics.
- Provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges.
Each Olympiad is an inter-school competition held five times during the school year at monthly intervals beginning in March. Each contains five problems with specified time limits. The value of the Olympiad problems is related to their special appeal to reasoning, creativity, resourcefulness, ingenuity, and important principles of mathematics.
Our first competition will be held at school on Wednesday, 23rd March. Best of luck to our students!
World Maths Day - Wednesday, 23rd March
World Maths Day is an international celebration of mathematics coordinated by 3P Learning (the makers of Mathletics).
Wednesday, March 23, is the date of this year’s World Maths Day. It runs for 48 hours to cover all global time zones. On this day, millions of students worldwide compete in Live
Mathletics challenges to determine an international winner while participating in fun activities that highlight the wonder of numbers.
World Maths Day is celebrated every year to make maths exciting and engaging for all school-aged children from all over the world – regardless of cultural or socio-economic background and ability. World Maths Day disregards the notion that you are either a ‘maths person’ or not.
World Maths day is free for anyone to enter. All St James students have a current Mathletics subscription that can be used; just log in on the day. You can sign up for a free World Maths Day account for other family members.
Find more information at: https://www.mathletics.com/blog/news/world-maths-day-is-back
Can you solve Mrs. Mihalicek’s Problem of the Week?
Calling all mathematicians! (That’s you!) Can you solve this problem with your family? All entries will receive recognition in the following newsletter and a sticker from Mrs. Mihalicek. Email your solutions and photos to bmihalicek@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au.
Warm regards,
Belinda Mihalicek
Mathematics Leader
bmihalicek@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au