Putting the objects in order

The first to be done with the entire class is to arrange the objects in order on a flat surface, without any particular criterion, except that they can all be easily seen and placed at more or less an equal distance between one and the other.

Zoom on cutting the string and its preparation

Once the objects are in order, take the ball of string and cut a piece of the desired length; it may be as long as the classroom, if the activity is to be carried out along the classroom walls. Or simply arrange the string on the flat surface and fix the ends with two pieces of adhesive tape.

Identifying the peculiarities of different objects

Choose two objects and show them to the class: what are the properties that distinguish them? What is their geometric form? Their colour and smell? And the material? At the end of the analysis, only the common aspect and the objects will be placed along the string. Each object must have a characteristic in common with the previous one.

Cutting out the greater than and less than signs

Take the sheet of paper and cut out as many Vs, or signs for "less than" and "greater than" , ad there are objects.

Arranging the objects along the line according to the criterion selected

The creative-algebraic experiment is done when the sequence is completed with the symbols. Then position the greater than and less than signs according to the degree to which the peculiarity distinguishes the objects.

This workshop truly generates considerable skills in describing elements on one hand and sensorial evaluation on the other. But not only. This exercise reinforces the algebraic skills and is easily adapted to other variations, like set theory. It is stimulating to change the environment for these exercises with the class. Often children are more stimulated when out in the open air and creativity is unleashed.