Countdown numbers KS1 maths game

Using maths skills to calculate numbers

The rules for the game and the selection of mathematical operations used can be adjusted to suit the level of the learners. The teacher should enter the five selected numbers in the white boxes of the spreadsheet. An appropriate result should be selected from the gold boxes.

When the time is up, the teacher may want the learners to share their answers on a wipeable board or verbally as time allows.

Activity introduction

This resource is part of a collection developed to aid in teaching the primary national curriculum. These resources are specifically designed to facilitate the instruction of fundamental topics in mathematics and science. This resource focuses on solving number problems using a spreadsheet inspired by the Countdown numbers game. It can be employed as a complete lesson, as outlined in the activity sheet, or as an introductory activity in other mathematics lessons.

This activity could be carried out with pupils working individually or in small groups.

The spreadsheet associated with this activity should be open on the teacher’s laptop or tablet. Learners should not be able to see this.

The engineering context

Engineers must have a solid grasp of number combinations and operations when tackling various fascinating challenges. For instance, engineers designing bridges must perform calculations to ensure their structural integrity. In contrast, those responsible for circuit design in mobile phones must compute the values of individual components required for functionality.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity, students will be able to solve addition and subtraction multi-step problems in context, deciding which operations and methods to use and why. They will also be able to solve problems using multiplication and division.

Download the activity sheets for free!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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