An activity that has stood the passage of time from the its inception by Sam Loyd to the present digital age. Perhaps you remember having such a toy as a child? The purpose of the task is to complete a picture given a set of image boxes. The full picture is completed by moving the smaller pieces around the grid following given rules. The mathematical element involves working out the least number of moves (not as easy as perhaps you think) and then using the sequence to find the nth term. The activity has been tried and tested with Key Stage 3 pupils and is particularly effective where children are placed in pairs and allowed to compete and chat about their ideas. Of course, they need to be focused on the task. Included: pupil worksheet, resource material, extension task, solutions.

A range of fun mathematical problems on the theme of chocolate suitable for pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4. All solutions and working-out included.

Variety of simultaneous equations to solve, focusing on substitution. Includes answers and working-out in full. Gradual progression in difficulty.

A functional cross-curricular mathematics project that aims to show the relevance of the subject in the real world. Covers many areas of the Maths National Curriculum at upper KS2 and KS3 and has been used successfully with Year 7 pupils working collaboratively in pairs. Updated July 2023

Over the last five years I have written articles for Symmetryplus, the maths magazine published for the 14-18 age group with an interest in mathematical ideas. Here you will find the first five articles. The focus and style is similar to that of the NRCH project taking an investigation approach. ll the answers are given with ideas of how these might be taken forward. Have fun “doing” maths.