Exploring Perpendicularity and Parallelism Through Play

Abstract

SummaryWe introduce a set of axioms that define two relations: planar perpendicularity and parallelism. We show how these relations can be explored informally through play with secondary school students. Our aim is to demonstrate that axiomatic thinking can be made accessible and fun even for young learners.MSC: Primary 97-01Secondary 51M04 Additional informationNotes on contributorsPentti HaukkanenPentti Haukkanen (MR Author ID: 82550) received his PhD in mathematics from the University of Tampere, Finland, under the supervision of Seppo Hyyrö. Currently, he is a university lecturer of mathematics at Tampere University in Finland. In his spare time, he enjoys various sports and culture.Timo TossavainenTimo Tossavainen (MR Author ID: 664009) received his PhD in mathematics from Jyväskylä University, Finland, under the supervision of Pekka Koskela. Currently, he is a professor of mathematics education at the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden. Among his proudest accomplishments is having learnt to play the guitar solo to the smash hit “The Final Countdown” by the Swedish rock band Europe.