Webinars Fall24 SET A - Grade 3-4 - Sunday@3.15-4.15pm EST-Recording Webinar 6

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the sixth webinar of the Math Kangaroo Level 3-4 series, hosted by Dr. Sarah Segee and teaching assistant Shura Vyas, attendees reviewed the concept of guessing and checking as a strategic problem-solving method. Dr. Segee emphasized the importance of not just making random guesses, but informed and strategic ones based on the problem's information. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and submit responses via chat and participate in polls, with the assurance that guessing incorrectly would not be penalized—as in the Math Kangaroo contest.<br /><br />The session included multiple interactive problems, each showcasing different scenarios of using the guess and check strategy. For instance, participants solved a problem involving guessing a digit hidden by stickers in a correct calculation, emphasizing how educated guesses can lead to correct conclusions. Another example involved determining which numbers fit in a mathematical arrangement where sum constraints were provided, demonstrating the utility of refining guesses based on logical deductions.<br /><br />The presenters highlighted that sometimes organizing thoughts systematically—like listing out possibilities or using known constraints—can simplify complex guessing tasks. The session concluded with a fun and broader application of guess and check through a game, illustrating the method's underpinning approach: narrowing down possibilities through critical questioning.<br /><br />Throughout the webinar, the presenters reinforced that the goal of guessing and checking is to make increasingly better guesses by using the information available, revising based on feedback from each attempt, and always refining the approach to solve even tricky math problems effectively.

Keywords

Math Kangaroo

webinar

Level 3-4

Dr. Sarah Segee

Shura Vyas

guessing and checking

problem-solving

interactive problems

strategic guessing

math contest