Kids may not immediately like the thought of doing math problems on the playground, but the Free Standing Math Panel presents simple math challenges in a casual way that won’t interrupt their playtime. The panel has four cylinders which rotate to display different numbers, and one which displays operational symbols (+, -, x, and ÷). By rotating these wheels, young scholars can create different mathematical equations. A number of examples are listed on the board. Children can turn the first three wheels to copy these problems, then turn the last two wheels to give the answer. Those with more mathematical experience can create their own math problems, or spin the wheels randomly and try to solve whatever problem appears. They may even try picking a number for the ‘answer’ side and trying to arrive at it with their own mathematical expression. And since both sides of the equation can be changed, the Math Panel can introduce children to algebra without them even realizing it. This panel presents math in a free-form style which lets them learn by themselves, at their own pace.
