Description

We have combined Mark's activity with the goal of having students reason and be convincing, two fundamental mathematical practices. Work with a partner and take turns being the skeptic or the convincer. When you are the convincer, your job is to be persuasive. You must give reasons for all your claims. Skeptics should be critical and not easily convinced. Demand reasons and justifications that make sense to you.

For each of the problems posed, one person should construct the figure and then be convincing. Your partner will be the skeptic. When you move to the next question, switch roles. Start with a square sheet of paper and make folds to construct a new figure. Explain how you know that the figure you built has the specified area.

Materials Needed

At least one square sheet of paper per student. A recommended size is 8.5 x 8.5 inches, which can be cut from a letter-size sheet of paper (8.5 x 11 inches). Patty Paper is recommended.

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