Proof Blocks A Visual Approach to Logic and Proof

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Proof Blocks A Visual Approach to Logic and
Proof
Jinna Hwang Francis Polytechnic
High jinna_at_proofblocks.com

• Jenni Dirksen
• San Mateo High
• jenni_at_proofblocks.com

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Agenda

• Difficulties teaching two column proof
• Activity to set the stage
• What are these ProofBlocks anyway?
• Your turn
• Research

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The Problem
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Setting the Stage An Activity

• Warm-up activity for proof (10 min)
• Order the blocks of each color
• Complete conditional statements on worksheet

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Setting the Stage An Activity

• What makes this activity easy?

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The Solution
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Definitions
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Definitions
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Connecting Blocks
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Connecting Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Definitions
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Definitions
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Connecting Blocks
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Connecting Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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Proof Blocks
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An Extension
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An Extension
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An Extension
Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles are
Congruent
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An Extension

• Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are
  congruent

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An Extension

• Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are
  congruent

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An Extension

• Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are
  congruent

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On your whiteboards
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Connecting Blocks
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An Extension
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Try It Yourself!
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Proof Blocks in Action
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Proof Blocks in Action
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Proof Blocks in Action
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Go ProofBlocks!

• Theorems as manipulatives

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Go ProofBlocks!

• Theorems as manipulatives
• Student approved

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Go ProofBlocks!

• Theorems as manipulatives
• Student approved
• Visual, kinesthetic, and ELL

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Go ProofBlocks!

• Theorems as manipulatives
• Student approved
• Visual, kinesthetic, and ELL
• Easily checked logic

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Confidence vs. Achievement
Confident / Somewhat Confident
2 Column ProofBlock
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Confidence vs. Achievement
Confident / Somewhat Confident
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2 Column ProofBlock
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Confidence vs. Achievement
More than ½ the proof correct on test
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2 Column ProofBlock
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Confidence vs. Achievement
More than ½ the proof correct on test
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59
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2 Column ProofBlock
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Go ProofBlocks!

• Theorems as manipulatives
• Student approved
• Visual, kinesthetic, and ELL
• Easily checked logic
• Special Education accommodations

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Questions?
Photograph taken by Melissa Holmes