What do you use to solve a geometry problem logically? Circular Reasoning, of course! This was just one of the more than seventy activities encountered by fourth, fifth and sixth grade families on Family Math Night, October 16, as they explored how the varied aspects of mathematical thought are represented in the curriculum.

For the forty-five families who attended, it was a busy evening full of challenges and discoveries. The excitement of building deductive reasoning skills, recognizing pattern relationships, employing spatial visualization and strengthening number sense filled the room. The Fraction Quilt activity drew lots of attention as each person attempted to add a different combination of triangles to cover three-eighths of a square. Two of the new activities were inspired by exhibits at the National Museum of Mathematics.

I especially wish to thank the hard-working student assistants. Seventh graders Jessica, Lucy, Anne Marie and Dylan, who, along with eighth graders, Siddharth, Clara, Walter, Ben and Akash, spent the afternoon setting up all the activities on the tables decorated with balloons donated by the UPA. They returned in the evening to provide encouragement and hints to the families. Chef David’s brownies were delicious and we have Mrs. Ponden to thank for the photos of the event.