Welcome to my exploration activity on Magic Squares. Although this is not a traditional webquest, I created a web site that carries the same principles. My hope is that you will learn a little more about magic squares and gain a deeper interest into how they can be used in the mathematics classroom.
Changing mathematical paradigms have considered and implemented the use of constructivist pedagogy to increase student achievement and motivation. Teachers who use methods of exploration and investigation are more likely engage students in processes of higher-order thinking and critical thinking. Furthermore, constructivist pedagogy coupled with technology-rich activities can help learners with different learning styles become more proficient in the subject matter. To that extent, this activity focuses on using technology in an explorative environment to learn the topic of magic squares. This activity uses a cultural perspective to explain the history, mathematics (e.g., counting, patterns, number operations, and numerical analysis), and mathematical connections of magic squares.
This activity is geared towards high school Geometry students studying number patterns and symmetry.
Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.
In grades 9–12 all students should–
The student describes, analyzes, and generalizes a wide variety of patterns, relations, and functions. (MA.D.1.4)
