Second Differences: A Mathematical Bridge Between Two Projects

Abstract

Making connections is one of the most important foundations involved in learning mathematics. Two projects are presented in this article: one involving Newton's Second Law of Motion and the other involving the determination of star numbers, a type of figurate number. The two invoke seemingly different modalities for students at different levels of mathematical maturity, and yet they share a deep academic connection.

Keywords:

• Discovery
• inquiry
• contextual problem-based learning
• patterning
• sequences
• second differences
• star numbers
• figurate numbers
• Chinese checkers
• Newton's Second Law of Motion