Get siblings to do your work. Scholars learn how to perform summations of arithmetic sequences in an innovative instructional activity. They use iterations, smaller siblings (tail-end recursion), and the divide-and-conquer approach.

Concepts

recursion, arithmetic series, series, arithmetic sequences, pyramids, iteration, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Use optional writing activity as an exit ticket/ticket-out-the-door assignment

Classroom Considerations

• Activity requires a large number of tokens (buttons, coins, etc.)
• It is helpful if learners have some experience with additive patterns

Pros

• Includes worksheets for all parts of lesson
• Teacher guide has detailed procedures for how to conduct the activity

Cons

• Does not include an answer key for worksheets

Common Core

5.OA.A.1 6.EE.A.2.a MP1 MP4