Graph Theory for Primary School Students with High Skills in Mathematics

Rocío Blanco,Melody García-Moya

doi:10.3390/math9131567

Abstract

Graph theory is a powerful representation and problem-solving tool, but it is not included in present curriculum at school levels. In this study we perform a didactic proposal based in graph theory, to provide students useful and motivational tools for problem solving. The participants, who were highly skilled in mathematics, worked on map coloring, Eulerian cycles, star polygons and other related topics. The program included six sessions in a workshop format and four creative sessions where participants invented their own mathematical challenges. Throughout the experience they applied a wide range of strategies to solve problems, such as look for a pattern, counting strategies or draw the associated graph, among others. In addition, they created as challenges the same type of problems posed in workshops. We conclude that graph theory successfully increases motivation of participants towards mathematics and allows the appearance and enforcement of problem-solving strategies.

Highlights

In this paper we show the results of the implementation of the didactic proposal developed in [1] with minor changes
In this proposal we introduce graph theory [2] for gifted primary school students as a motivational tool of representation and problem solving
Discrete mathematics is proposed to be included in school levels [5] and highly recommended for students aged between 5 and 18 years old [6,7]

Summary

Introduction

In this paper we show the results of the implementation of the didactic proposal developed in [1] with minor changes. We state main previous results and briefly sketch the structure of the proposal. In this proposal we introduce graph theory [2] for gifted primary school students as a motivational tool of representation and problem solving. This could be a first step to include graph theory at school levels. Graph theory is not included in current school curriculum in Spain, neither in primary nor secondary education [3,4]. Discrete mathematics is proposed to be included in school levels [5] and highly recommended for students aged between 5 and 18 years old [6,7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion