NOVA Science Now: McLurkin

Student Handout

Instructions for Groups

First and Second Number Groups

• Hold up one of your hands so that the total number of hands held up by your group is equal to the number provided by your teacher.

• You may raise a second hand if needed.

• If the number displayed by your group is correct, do not raise or lower your hand.

• If the number displayed by your group is too large, wait a moment, then lower one hand.

• If the number displayed by your group is too small, wait a moment, then raise one hand.

Operation Group

• You must display the operation given to you by your teacher.

Result Group

• Find the first number by counting the number of hands held up by the First Number Group. Wait until the number of raised hands stops changing.

• Find the operation by observing the Operation Group.

• Find the second number by counting the number of hands held up by the Second Number Group. Wait until the number of raised hands stops changing.

• Perform the arithmetic operation in your head. Remember the syntax of operations is first number-operation-second number, just like a calculator.

• Raise one, both, or none of your hands so that the total number of Result Group arms raised is equal to the result.

Operation and Result Groups

• Addition is indicated by placing both hands on your head.

• Subtraction is indicated by placing both hands on your hips.

• Multiplication is indicated by crossing both arms across your chest.

• Division is indicated by placing both hands on your knees.