A Didactic Engineering for the Study of the Padovan's Combinatory Model

Considering the content of history of mathematics textbooks, it's evident that their emphasis is primarily on the illustrative aspects of recurring numerical sequences, with a particular focus on the Fibonacci sequence. Unfortunately, this limited approach results in the neglect of other sequences akin to the Fibonacci numbers, thus rendering the subject challenging for teaching purposes. This study aims to address this gap by offering a concise exploration of the combinatorial aspects of the Padovan numbers, specifically through the concept of a board as initially examined by mathematicians. In line with the research methodology of didactic engineering and the teaching theory of the theory of didactic situations, two problem situations have been developed, centered on the Padovan combinatorial model, thereby contributing to the enrichment of mathematical education within initial teacher training programs. Within this framework, various strategies are introduced that rely on visualization and counting, with the objective of illustrating specific mathematical identities suitable for potential classroom applications.