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Student Instructions
Another amazing activity produced by the superb Youcubed team - Four 4s!
The mission of the team at Youcubed is simple - to inspire, educate and empower teachers of mathematics, transforming the latest research on maths learning into accessible and practical forms through Growth Mindsets and Innovative Teaching.
Use the attached slides to help you understand the task - watch the video in the slides (link below)
https://www.youcubed.org/wim/the-importance-of-struggle-short-version/
For more inspiration, watch this!
https://www.youcubed.org/wim/brains-grow-and-change/
TASK:
Try and make the numbers 1 to 20 using four 4s. There is an example on the slides of how to make the number 1, but an easier example is how to make 16... 4+4+4+4.
You can modify the 
labels on the template by double clicking them, and adding your solutions. Alternatively, using the 
pen tool to write in your solutions.
Why not add a 
voice recording at the end of the task to say how you found it and whether you 'enjoyed the struggle'!!
HINT:
Try and make any number you can (don't try and do it in order. Then, use ones you have done to make new ones. e.g. how can you modify 4+4+4+4 to make a new number (try changing one of the + signs to a minus sign...!)
Good luck #wim
Teacher Notes (not visible to students)
FROM YOUCUBED: Inspiring Mathematics Success for all Students through Growth Mindsets and Innovative Teaching Our main goal is to inspire, educate and empower teachers of mathematics, transforming the latest research on maths learning into accessible and practical forms. We know from research how to teach mathematics well and how to bring about high levels of student engagement and achievement, but this evidence has not previously been made accessible to teachers. All students can learn mathematics to high levels and teaching that is based upon this principle dramatically increases students’ maths achievement. The need to make research widely available is particularly pressing now as new science on the brain and learning is giving important insights into mathematics learning. Mathematics is often the reason that students leave STEM, particularly girls and some students of color. We aim to change this by communicating the sources of maths inequality in the US and by teaching the classroom methods that are needed for 21st century learning. By providing research-based teaching methods, mathematics tasks, videos, and ideas we intend to significantly reduce maths failure and inequality in the United States and beyond, inspiring teachers and empowering all students to success. For more details on this amazing activity and more as part of the Week of Inspirational Math, visit the website below or check out some of my other activities. https://www.youcubed.org/week-inspirational-math/#wim
