GATEWAYS

Last Tuesday selected students were invited to participate in an 'Ignite' Gifted and Talented program run by GATEWAYS at SKiPPS. We had two visiting teachers work with fifteen Year 1-3 and twenty-four Year 4-6 students for the whole day. The workshops titled ‘Extreme Maths’ were selected to stretch their mathematical thinking with like-minded students. 

Not just a regular Maths class, the ‘Extreme Maths’ series of workshops takes some well-known mathematical concepts into areas that push the boundaries of logic and expectation. Whether it is the unexpected use of proofs, applying axioms to existing maths-related stories or even infinity maths, there seems to be no end to the extreme uses of Maths. Students will investigate mathematical concepts and current applications in a variety of contexts. They will use hands-on activities to explore how the operations have been (and continue to be) used to model knowledge, revise understandings of key notions and take Maths right to the edge.

Here are some reflections and comments from some of the students. 

In our group first we went to the Art room where we learnt some number patterns. We used them to find out more things about pascals triangle. It was really fun filling in all the numbers. Out of all the patterns the Fibonacci one was probably the hardest to find in the triangle. In the afternoon we went to the performing arts room and there we used a tool called a Splat which was invented by Tony’s (the GATEWAYS presenter) friend. We used it to draw some 3D shapes. After we learnt to draw cubes, cylinders, square based pyramid, sphere and cones we combined them to a picture. The hardest shape to draw was the sphere. We also learnt how to render to make the shapes look 3D. If I went back to GATEWAYS again I would be very happy because it was a good experience. 

Mael 3/4J

Gateways was really good. If we had the opportunity to do it again, we would definitely be keen. We learnt how to multiple matrix’s and problem solved fubuki and shikaku puzzles. The multiplying was hard but we got through it!

Archie and Hugo 3/4 J

In GATEWAYS our group did some Maths. We learnt about Pascals triangle. Pascal is a mathematician who founded the triangle and they named it after him. Then after that we moved to the Performing Arts room and learned about 3D shapes. I had a good day!

Jack 1/2S

If parents or students have any feedback about these sessions please contact me at chantel.jose@education.vic.gov.au

Chantel Jose

High Ability Practice Leader