Learning device for implementing Dienes multisystem blocks using cube-shaped magnets

Abstract

Learning device consisting firstly of one Dienes block each for the powers 0 to s (number of places) for the place value system with base b (greater than 1), and secondly of a number a of magnetic cubes, and thirdly of a set of rules for forming Dienes blocks by combining the magnets.

Description

The learning device represents an improvement of previous approaches for didactically switching the score system to different bases. It is an extension of the multi-system blocks of Zoltan Paul Dienes (Multibase Arithmetic Blocks, patent GB No. 36768 / 58 "Improvement in Teaching Apparatus" 1959; Z. P. Dienes "Building up Mathematics" Hutchinson Educational, London 1960).The core of the improvement is that the child can form the multi-system blocks (dienes blocks) with cubic magnets themselves. This is done according to a suitable rule set (algorithm), which is communicated in the form of game rules. The motivating and illustrative components of the diene blocks are further enhanced by the novel method. Moreover, with the new method, the age limit with which the game can be played meaningfully falls to clearly below 6 years.The learning device consists of 1. the respective dienes blocks for base b (shown in FIG. 1 by way of example for b=2), 2. a sufficient number of cubic magnets and 3. a suitable display surface for developing the resulting table, for example as a wood board with depressions (FIG. 2), a (magnetic) board or on paper.The aim of the learning game for which the learning device is used is to find the correct numerical representation for a selected number of cubic magnets in the respectively selected position value system.The game procedure is as follows:The game leader prepares the table by placing the dienes blocks (e.g., of wood) in or securing them to the first row of the table. In this case, an individual cube (unit, unit) is deposited on the right and then, following to the left, the rod, area and (large) cube. Other dimensions (large rod, large area, larger cubes and so forth) can be supplemented accordingly.The game leader propagates a selected number of magnetic cubes on a surface. The columns in the above table are usefully sufficient to represent the corresponding number.The child is prompted to assemble the magnets according to the following rules: 1. count b objects and form from them a next dimension object (rod, face, large cube, etc.), repeat until less than b objects remain. Put all remaining objects, in the second row of the table, with the cell on the right starting under the corresponding dienes block. For zero remaining objects, the cell was empty. Then write the number of remaining objects in the respective column in the third row of the table. In the case of binary numbers (b=2) and for children who cannot yet write numbers, (wood) symbols with a circle on one side and a bar on the other side can also be used (FIG. 3 ). 2. start again with 1 until no objects remain.As a result, in the third row, the selected number in the number representation can be read in the position value system with respect to the base b.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Cited Non-Patent LiteratureImprovement in Teaching Apparatus" 1959

[0001] Dienes, Z. P., "Building up Mathematics", Hutchinson Educational, London 1960

[0001]

Claims

Learning device, comprising firstly a diene block each having powers 0 to s (number of digits) to the score system with the base b (greater than 1), secondly a number a of magnetic cubes and thirdly a regulating mechanism for forming diene blocks by combining the magnets.Learning device according to claim 1 combined with a suitable display surface for developing the resulting table, for example as a wooden board with depressions (Fig. 2), a (magnetic) board or on paper.Learning device according to Claim 2, in which, in the first row, the dienes are distributed with a power increasing from the right.A learning device according to claim 3, wherein the rule engine consists in repeatedly counting b objects and forming therefrom the next higher order diene block until there are less than b objects. This remainder of objects is stored in the table in the associated column (individually for magnetic table).Learning device according to Claim 4, in which the number of objects which lie in the respective cell lying above it is written in the third line, resulting in the number representation in the b system.Learning device according to Claim 4, in which, in the third row, the number of objects which lie in the respective cell lying above it is placed by means of (wood) symbols which show a 0 on one side and a 1 on the other side, resulting in the respective binary number.

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