“Mathematics is the music of reason.” – James Joseph Sylvester
Mathematics came alive most vibrantly and imaginatively at SAI International Residential School through a series of engaging, hands-on activities designed to nurture conceptual understanding, creativity, and critical thinking. Students from Grades IV, V, and VI embarked on exciting journeys into the world of numbers. Each experience was thoughtfully crafted to make abstract concepts feel tangible, relatable, and enjoyable.
Grade IV Builds Number Sense with Factor Flowers
SAIoneers of Grade IV explored number relationships through the Factor Flower activity. Each child selected a number between 1 and 20 and displayed its factors on petals surrounding the number at the centre of a handmade paper flower. The process helped learners better understand the connection between multiplication and division, while also enhancing their ability to recognise patterns in numbers. The final products were both educational and visually appealing, lining the school corridors with bright and thoughtful representations of mathematical thinking. The activity promoted engagement and deepened number sense through artistic involvement and inquiry-based learning.
Grade V Blossoms with the Division Flower Activity
The young learners of Grade V participated in a creative activity titled Division Flower, aimed at strengthening their understanding of division. As part of their chapter on the Four Operations, students chose a number, such as 24, and placed it at the centre of a paper flower. Each petal displayed a division problem like 24 divided by 2, with the answer neatly written on the reverse side. This hands-on experience helped reinforce mathematical thinking while also encouraging artistic expression. The students not only practised solving division problems but also developed their analytical skills. During the presentation session, they confidently explained their calculations and the reasoning behind their solutions. The classroom transformed into a field of colourful mathematical flowers, where learning and creativity bloomed together.
Grade VI Unlocks the Mystery of 6174
Meanwhile, Grade VI students were introduced to a fascinating number puzzle involving the celebrated Indian mathematician Dr. D. R. Kaprekar’s constant, 6174. In the "My Magic Number" challenge, students selected any four-digit number with at least two different digits, rearranged the digits in ascending and descending order, and subtracted the smaller from the larger. Repeating the process eventually led all participants to the same result: 6174. This activity not only sparked curiosity but also introduced learners to the beauty of mathematical patterns and logical consistency. It highlighted the richness of Indian mathematical heritage and gave students a practical glimpse into the power of pattern recognition and persistence
