First experiences of creativity in mathematics for a primary school in Italy

ABSTRACT

In the early years of school, pupils have a very positive approach towards any new topic. Very often, the first contact with mathematics in the Italian school risks giving a limited and somehow negative impression, generating long-lasting effects. In this paper, we report on a series of experiences carried out in a second-year class of a primary school that allowed us to introduce new concepts and approaches through games and puzzles. The aim was to stimulate the creativity and empower pupils. We have used simple materials and applied the Puzzle-Based Learning method. Despite the limited time devoted to this experience, the outcomes have been extremely positive.

KEYWORDS:

• Active learning
• optimisation
• algorithms
• playful mathematics
• creativity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mdEsouIXGM.

2 www.bee-bot.us.