Math for Pirates
Author: Joe Quinn, contributions from Lara Du
Joe Quinn holds a PhD in mathematics from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and publishes in the field of geometric topology. He has taught and designed math curricula for Hunter College, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Bronx Community College, Matemorfosis CIMAT (Guanajuato), MoMath, and Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics. He is the director of Hypothesis, a New York City based company that creates games and events based on conceptual math and art. Joe is passionate about transmitting knowledge between the math research community and the rest of the world, for the benefit of both parties.
This course features…
An introduction to proof by induction and logical operators.
Suggestions on how to support mathematical thinking and how to structure the classroom.
Note: The game of Nim, which appears in this course, also appears in Games and Strategies.
This course is good for someone who…
Is knowledgeable on the topics of formal mathematical proof-writing and symbolic logic; the course introduces concepts that are rarely explored in K-12 math classes.
Is an academic with less experience with middle schoolers: the course provides detailed teaching supports.
Sample Problem
Five pirates find 100 gold coins and are deciding how to distribute them. As head pirate, you get to propose a plan for distribution between the 5 of you that you'll all vote on. If you get at least 2 of the other pirates to agree to your plan, the gold will be divided up that way. If not, you'll be thrown overboard. How many gold coins can you keep while still winning a majority vote?
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