Teaching article
Two-attribute sorting requires both properties at once
Apply both properties rather than sorting on the most visible one.
A small triangle belongs where its size and shape both fit. Keep the two rules visible and resist introducing an unnoticed colour rule simply because one card looks different from the rest.
State both attributes beside the sorting space. A card that looks unusual still belongs wherever its defined properties place it.
Read both attributes for each placement
Define both attributes. Place each card. Explain boundary cases.
A small triangle belongs in the intersection of small and triangle categories.
Colour should not silently become a third rule. Which two properties apply?
Start with four cards.
Resources
- My Puzzle Strategy — Record a strategy and one specific observation about how it helped.
Further reading
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