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Journal of Math Circles

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Benjamin Gaines is Associate Professor and Chair of Mathematics & Physics at Iona University. His primary research interests include combinatorial games and math education, particularly on questions involving writing in mathematics. In addition to teaching courses throughout the math curriculum, from Mathematical Thinking through Abstract Algebra, he greatly enjoys working with students on research questions in games and statistical data analysis. He is very interested in helping learners of all levels overcome the perception that they are "not math people".

Abstract

In the Play chapter of Mathematics for Human Flourishing by  Francis Su, he introduces the Game of Cycles. This is a game played on a graph consisting of vertices, non-overlapping edges connecting those vertices, and the two-dimensional cells enclosed by those edges.  This lesson plan will help organizers use this game to lead an activity touching on the basics of combinatorial game theory, strategizing and think ahead, and how anyone can start exploring uncharted mathematical ground! This activity is suitable for middle school, high school, and undergraduate students, with no specific math background necessary.

Description of Program

This activity was not taught as part of a formal math circle. It was given to a number of high school students and teachers, as part of community outreach.

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