Webinars SET B - Grade 3-4 - Sunday@3:15-4:15pm EST-Recording Webinar 2

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar focused on teaching problem-solving skills using patterns, especially for math contest problems. The hosts introduced the concept of finding repeating sequences or relationships within problems to simplify and solve them more efficiently. They began with a warm-up problem involving exponential growth, showing how recognizing multiplication patterns helped quickly calculate a total sum.<br /><br />Throughout the session, the presenters stressed careful reading and interpreting problem statements, then applying pattern recognition to reduce complex tasks. Examples included identifying patterns in shapes and sequences, using arithmetic to derive values, visualizing 3D nets for cubes painted with opposite sides matching colors, and solving circular counting puzzles by examining relationships between steps.<br /><br />Participants were guided on how to analyze options by elimination based on pattern logic, and using properties like commutative addition to simplify calculations. The webinar also covered permutations with restrictions, leveraging multiplication counting principles while excluding invalid sequences.<br /><br />Several interactive polls engaged attendees in identifying correct answers based on pattern observations. The hosts demonstrated multiple solution methods, noting some approaches better suited to individual thinking styles.<br /><br />Key takeaways included understanding sequences, series, and geometric patterns that frequently appear in contests and beyond, emphasizing that pattern recognition is a versatile tool across math topics. The session concluded by highlighting upcoming lessons and encouraging continued practice via the Math Kangaroo website, with recorded sessions available for review. The approachable style and step-by-step explanations aimed to build confidence in applying pattern-based strategies to diverse math problems.

Keywords

problem-solving

pattern recognition

math contests

exponential growth

arithmetic sequences

3D nets

permutations with restrictions

commutative addition

interactive polls

Math Kangaroo