Introduction

to
logical thinking

Introduction to logical thinking

Subject: Geometry
Grade level: 9
Class Date: April 12, 2015

Overview

Materials

This lesson is designed to fill a 55minute period. It covers ifthen statements and an introduction to deductive and inductive
thinking. Students practice logical flow and backwards
reasoning, and analyze incorrect proofs.

Objectives

To understand deductive and inductive reasoning

To be able to analyze arguments for their validity
To be able to write two-column proofs

Activities
Students are given three different excerpts from articles found
on the internet. The excerpts are given to the students so they
think about these questions while analyzing them. This will be
completed in groups.
1. What claim is the author making
2. Is there evidence to justify the claim?
3. Are there any gaps/missing blanks in the authors logic?

Adaptations
There are three different excerpts, and they all highlight if-then
statements. Students must reveal after finding these
statements if:
1. The whole statement is true or false
2. Is the if-then order backwards
3. What makes the statement true/false
This activity may seem non-mathematical, but the ultimate
goal in this lesson is to allow the students to build confidence
to assert an idea that was logically deduced or concluded
based on some known facts.

Evaluation
It seems the easiest way to introduce if-then statements is to
use non- mathematical examples. You can start the lesson off
with asking the class If it is sunny outside, does that mean the
ground is dry? , or If it is sunny, then the street is covered in
gold. Normally one of these statements is true or false, or not
always true. The teacher can test the students understanding
by asking them to produce their own true or false statements,
and then coming up with a converse to them. Towards the end
of the lesson or maybe the next class lesson the teacher can
Introduction to logical thinking

Pen/pencil

Lots of logic examples

Excerpts from articles

Other Resources
N/A

incorporate simple proofs with maybe two variables. For

example ab=0 when b=0. After the Students have fully
understood the logic and pattern of proving and classifying ifthen statements, the teacher get introduce harder proofs.

Introduction to logical thinking