A Math Forum Web Unit
Sator Classroom Activity
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Objectives: NCTM Standards: Number and Operations and Connections]
Materials:Prepare as overhead transparencies and/or handouts:
6. Blank overhead transparency and pens
Procedure:Display the Sator Square.
Reading top to bottom, all the entries form words.
Constructing a Crossword Square using letters:
Think of one 3-letter word.
Write that word in the first row and the first column of the 3x3 grid.
Example - step one:
Think of another 3-letter word that starts with the last letter of the first word. In the example given, a word beginning with E is necessary. Possibilities include "egg," "eye," and "eel," to name a few.
Choose one and try it, remembering that the second row and column will need to be completed to form words.
Example - step two:
Select a letter for the center position to complete the word for the second row and the second column.
Example - step three:
[Note: I made this crossword square for my son, Lee. Lee just got new glasses for his eyes to look at his new eel!]
Try the same process to create a 4x4, 5x5 or ..... crossword square.
Instruct students to write accompanying explanations of their squares.
Challenge students to create a square using letters that is also a numerical magic square if the corresponding numbers are used.
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