About

Noun: comparagram     Pronunciation: /.kuh m-pærəˈɡram/

1. A pair, or small group, of mathematical images which provoke questions, exploration and insight.

Origins:

compare        bring together, more than the sum of its parts

para-              with similarities, aspects in parallel

-gram             diagram, something written or recorded

Same//Different    Compare//Contrast    Parallels//Distinctions

Comparagrams are intended to foster thought, creativity and questions in mathematics classrooms. This website provides a space for teachers and students to share what they notice about the images and respond to each other. Comments could include mathematical insights gained, questions raised or reflections on how the images were used in a classroom.

Alistair Bissell is the creator of comparagrams.com. Alistair taught mathematics in secondary schools for 11 years. He works for MEI alongside doing a PhD in Mathematics Education at the University of Bristol. Any views expressed on this website are his own.