What is STEM Education?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! STEM education encourages a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery and exploratory learning and REQUIRES students to actively engage a situation in order to find a solution.
How does GAME-SET-MATH fit into STEM Education?
GAME-SET-MATH introduces important math concepts using specially designed numbered tennis balls. GSM tennis balls are colorful, perfectly suited for small hands and are fun to hold, move and manipulate. Through math games, children problem-solve, explore and discover solutions. GAME-SET-MATH can be used individually with one child and an adult, with small groups of children or an entire classroom.
What children’s learning style fits best with GAME-SET-MATH?
There are four main types of leaning styles and they all work very well with GAME-SET-MATH. They are: Visual (learn through seeing); Auditory (learn through hearing); Tactile (learn through touch) and Kinesthetic (learn through doing and moving.
Visual learners
learn through seeing. Look at the bright yellow GSM tennis balls! Notice the numbers printed on each ball. Begin to work with the students. They will watch and learn through play! Children who are visual processors tend to observe a parent’s or teacher’s body language and facial expressions for content and learn through demonstrations and descriptions. They tend to have well-developed imaginations and often think in pictures.
Auditory learners
learn through listening. Work in a quiet environment with the GSM tennis balls. Explain the games and challenge students to listen, participate and learn through play! Children who are auditory processors learn through participating in discussions and talking things through. Too much noise may be distracting and children with this strength may learn best in a quiet environment.
Tactile learners
learn through touch. GSM tennis balls are hands-on! Allow students to touch, roll, manipulate and hold the balls. They will learn through doing! Children who are more tactile prefer activities or projects that allow them to use their hands.
Kinesthetic learners
learn through moving and doing. GSM tennis balls and games are a perfect “match” for this type of student. Make math connections through active play! Children who are more kinesthetic learn through physical sensations and may have trouble sitting still for long periods. A hands-on approach that allows children to actively explore works best for this type of learner.
How can number lines built with GAME-SET-MATH be used to help a child add or subtract?
When you add, you count on and get a bigger number. When you subtract, you count back and get a smaller number. Look at the GSM number line. Notice that the value of the numbers get bigger when you go from left to right and the value of the numbers gets smaller when you go from right to left. When you add, you move from left to right. When you subtract, you move from right to left.
Steps to solving addition problems:
Remember that when you add using a number line you move from left to right. You are counting on or moving toward the bigger numbers. Put your left hand on the first number in the addition sentence. Move your right hand to the right, as many places as the second number in the addition sentence. Then number your right hand lands on is the solution!
Steps to solving subtraction problems:
Remember that when you subtract using a number line you move from right to left. You are counting back or moving toward the smaller numbers. Put your right hand on the first number in the subtraction sentence. Move your left hand to the left, as many places as the second number in the subtraction sentence. Then number your left hand lands on is the solution!