Education and demonstration – Mathematics – Arithmetic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-13
2001-09-25
Cheng, Joe H. (Department: 3713)
Education and demonstration
Mathematics
Arithmetic
C273S441000, C446S485000, C446S117000, C446S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293800
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an educational and entertainment device, and in particular to an educational and entertainment device used to teach fractions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common to teach mathematical operations and principles by representing concepts graphically. For example, a common graphical device used to teach fractions is the pie chart, i.e., a circle or pie which has been divided or cut into an equal number of pieces or slices, each piece or slice representing a section or fraction of the total circle or pie. To teach several different fractions (halves, thirds, fourths, etc.), several different pie charts may be used.
However, while such graphical representations may initially interest students, it does not take long for some students' attention to wander. The pie chart may not provide the physical stimulation or reinforcement which some students need to maintain their attention on the concept being taught. Rather than being challenging, repetitious drills with the pie chart may become tedious and even frustrating.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an educational device which makes learning about fractions fun.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an education device which provides the student with an opportunity to appreciate fractions on a physical as well as intellectual level.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an education device which provides multiple levels of challenge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention, an educational and entertainment device includes n layers stackable in a predetermined order one on top of the other to define a tower having n layers. The xth layer, where x varies between 1 and n, is divided into x sections, at least one of the x sections of the xth layer having a passage segment formed therethrough such that with the n layers stacked one on top of the other in the predetermined order, the passage segments of the n layers are in communication with each other to define a passage which extends through the tower. The device may also include an indicator element passable through the passage to confirm that the n layers have been assembled in the predetermined order.
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Cheng Joe H.
Christman Kathlen M.
Wood Phillips VanSanten Clark & Mortimer
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