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MAGIC SQUARES!


Hi All,

How about some Algebraic Thinking, Addition, and History? How about some Magic Squares then?

I usually begin this lesson by asking if any of the class have ever heard of Ben Franklin. We talk a little bit about him and then I read aloud a very short picture book biography, Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares by Frank Murphy (Random House, 2001).


This books talks about Franklin’s life as an inventor and political figure in an appropriate and engaging manner for elementary students. It also tells us about Franklin’s time as a clerk in the Continental Congress. His job was to write down laws or declarations passed by the congress, but much of the time was spent debating so Franklin doodled in the margins of his ledger. He drew cartoons and wrote some notes, but he also drew magic squares, those fun nine box squares where no matter which way you go by rows or columns or diagonals, all of the numbers add up to the same sum.


Magic squares were invented long before Franklin, in India and China, but Franklin re-discovered them and popularized them in America by publishing them in his newspapers and magazines. Magic Squares were the Soduku of their time!

After reading the book I ask students if they want to try some out. I give them the first paper (link to pdfs) where they work individually or with a partner to complete the partially completed magic squares using logic, guess and check, and addition fact knowledge. 

I then ask if they would like the secret formula to create their own magic squares? Of course they do! I make them swear a mathematician’s oath not to share the secret with anyone who is not a mathematician. (Fortunately everyone learning about math is a mathematician!)

Students then use the formula paper (in pdf link) that shows “One Way to Make a Magic Square” to create a couple of their own. After that they can erase a number or two and let partners try and solve them.

Here's the link to the pdf's: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1puFAb63nqIgE1aZY1qA5O-61dZEcmYvs/view?usp=sharing

Have fun!
All the best. Stay safe. God Bless!
Bob

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