We had discussed doing this for practice for Geometric Proof, and I thought I would give it a try. We used a Proof Practice assignment that I got from the amazing Elissa Miller. (If you haven't checked out her blog/resources, do so when you are finished here). I gave three minutes to work on the proofs, then stray and form new groups. After new groups were formed, I gave one minute to discuss the previous proof with the new groups before assiging the next proof. We are on 49 minute periods, so I was able to get through 5 proofs in one class and 6 in the other.
Here are the directions that I used for the activity. I took the majority of these from Kagan.
- Be sure you are in groups of 4.
- Each group will be given a mat. This mat will determine your number.
- All members of the group will take 3 minutes to collectively work on Proof #1
- When I call time, we are going to do One Stray
Directions for One
Stray
- I will randomly call a number and call "STRAY"
- The student who has the number I call will stand up. The remaining teammates remain seated but raise their hands
- Standing students stray to a team that has their hands up
- Teams lower their hands when a new team member joins them.
- Students work in new teams to gather and share information.
I used the Google Random Number Generator for group numbers to rotate. I used my Kagan Mats that I made to determine group numbers. If you would like a copy of my Kagan Mat, please email me I also used the Google timer tool to manage the time. I also had the students complete their work in OneNote, which we use as our notebook. Also, I had students swap computers and check each other's work and highlight errors and circle unmarked diagrams (which I have been trying to reinforce consistently).
Overall, I think that the activity was successful! I think the kids learned and benefitted from it, especially since geometric proof can be very tricky.
