MATHEMAGIC AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING

Abstract

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that can be challenging for elementary school students. The objective of this research is to investigate what contributions some matemagics can make to the development of algebraic thinking. Matemagic is a playful activity that mixes mathematics and illusionism. A study of the teaching experiment type was carried out in which three mathematical games were applied to seventh grade students at a private school located in the city of Linhares/ES.  At the end, a questionnaire was carried out to find out what the participants thought of the activity. The analysis was based on categories of algebraic thinking. Among the classifications established, the research showed that the categories exploration of properties and relationships between whole numbers and symbolization of quantities and operation with symbolic expressions were the most used among those who presented solutions using algebraic thinking. In addition, there was subjects who did not fit into any of the categories, in other words. who had difficulty developing algebraic thinking. This study concludes that mathematics can be a motivating tool for developing algebraic thinking, but that the work needs to be developed gradually and systematically, dialoguing with the students throughout the teaching, learning and learning assessment process.