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Maths for early years
Build a bunny craft activity
Making structures from card strips and assembling these into animal forms
In this fun Easter themed STEM activity for kids, students will learn about 3D structures within a graphical project. Learners will build a bunny using card strips from a template.
This free resource, aimed at primary school children, could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about simple structures made from separate parts.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on building a card structure, to make a bunny.
The teacher will first print the free activity sheet, which can be found below, onto thin card and distribute to the learners.
Learners can then follow this step-by-step guide to build their own DIY Easter bunny.
If time allows learners could decorate their Easter bunnies. They will then share their completed bunnies with the class.
This activity will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Build a bunny handout
Scissors
Glue
Colouring pencils/pens (optional to colour in your bunny before assembly)
The engineering context
Engineers use nets and card to allow them to make scaled 3D models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this STEM challenge learners will be able to understand how structures are made using separate parts and they will be able to make and assemble a bunny structure from card strips.
Download the free Build a bunny activity sheet below! Also includes a bonus worksearch to enhance sticky learning.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
KS1 Easter Maths: Count using eggs
Link words and numbers and learn how to count forwards and backwards using eggs in this fun Easter maths activity for kids
In this fun Easter STEM activity for kids, students will cut out eggs with numbers in words and shells with numbers in figures, then link the two ways of representing numbers. Learners will also have the opportunity to count and carry out some simple sums using the cut outs.
This practical maths challenge could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about numbers and counting.
This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within Mathematics and Design and Technology. This resource is aimed at learners in reception or early Key Stage 1 and focuses on developing knowledge of the words used to represent numbers.
The teacher will first print the activity sheet onto thin card. Learners should then match the eggs and shells and put them in the correct sequence, either forwards or backwards. They could also use these to count forwards or backwards in multiples. As an optional extension, students could also use the eggs as number cards to carry out some sums. Cards with mathematical symbols are included at the end of the handout. These should be cut around the dotted line.
If time permits, learners could decorate the eggs and shells.
This activity should take approximately 40-60 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Handouts printed on this card
Scissors
Colouring pens/pencils
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this Easter maths activity learners will know how numbers are represented by words and they will be able to count forwards and backwards in numbers and multiples up to 100.
The engineering context
An understanding of numbers is vital for engineers who need to solve lots of interesting problems. For example, they need to know the sizes to make products and communicate these to other people. Electronic engineers use countdown timers to let motorists know when a traffic light will change from red to green, so that that motorists can drive off safely.
Download the free Count using eggs activity sheet. Also includes a bonus maze activity.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Make an amazing bunny pop up card
Learn about 3D structures and make a bunny pop up card in this fun Easter STEM activity for kids
In this fun STEM activity for kids, students will learn about graphic products and use templates to help them cut out the parts for a homemade Easter card.
This activity is aimed at primary school children and could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the use of templates.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow students to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on making a graphics project, in this case an Easter pop-up bunny card.
The teacher will first print the activity sheet, which can be downloaded below, onto thin card and distribute to the learners.
Learners can then follow these steps to make their own homemade Easter bunny pop-up card. Once learners have completed each step for themselves, the teacher can explain why templates are used to make objects and how separate parts are used to make a larger structure.
Learners will share their completed Easter pop-up cards with the class. What do you think went well? What could be improved?
This activity will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Card (various colours)
Scissors
Coloured paper
The engineering context
Engineers use nets and card to allow them to make scale 3D models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this Easter STEM challenge learners will be able to make and assemble an Easter pop-up card from separate parts.
Download the free Make an amazing Easter pop up card activity sheet. Also included is a bonus wordsearch to enhance sticky learning.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Rocket countdown maths game
Practice counting backwards from 50 in this fun rocket countdown maths game for KS1!
In this engaging maths game, students will learn to countdown backwards using different steps, i.e. 1s, 2s, 3s, 5s and 10s. This resource will prepare learners to count to and across to 50, forwards and backwards, beginning with zero or from any given number. Learners will release balloon ‘rockets’ to enhance engagement when each countdown reaches zero.
This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners how to count backwards using the prompts in the teacher presentation below.
Activity: Racket countdown maths game
This activity is one of a set of resources developed with the theme of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. These resources are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on numbers and the ability to count backwards to zero using different number intervals.
What is the James Webb Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. It is a monumental leap in space exploration, building on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is the next great space science observatory, with a primary mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It will address lingering questions and achieve groundbreaking revelations across all fields of astronomy.
The JWST is equipped with a suite of cutting-edge instruments that will allow it to study the universe in unprecedented detail. These instruments will help us better understand the Solar System, the formation of stars and planets, and the evolution of galaxies. The JWST is a revolutionary telescope that will blaze new trails in exploration. It is already making headlines with its first images, and it is sure to continue to amaze us for years to come.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to count backwards from numbers up to 50, and they will be able to count backwards in steps of 1s, 2s, 3s, 5s and 10s.
The engineering context
A grasp of number combinations and mathematical operations is essential for engineers solving various intriguing challenges. For instance, electronic engineers use countdown timers to inform drivers about the transition of a traffic light from red to green, ensuring a safe departure for motorists.
Download the free activity sheet!
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.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Discover mass, volume and density
In this exciting STEM activity, you will be given a variety of objects made from different materials. You will weigh each object and then measure its volume by immersing it in water. You will then use this information to calculate the density of each object.
Activity to discover mass, volume and density
This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners how to collect data through measurement and use number skills in a practical context. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning, focusing on using maths and science to understand the properties of materials.
How do you calculate density?
Density = Mass / Volume
What is the James Webb Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. It is a monumental leap in space exploration, building on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is the next great space science observatory, with a primary mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It will address lingering questions and achieve groundbreaking revelations across all fields of astronomy.
The JWST is equipped with a suite of cutting-edge instruments that will allow it to study the universe in unprecedented detail. These instruments will help us better understand the Solar System, the formation of stars and planets, and the evolution of galaxies. The JWST is a revolutionary telescope that will blaze new trails in exploration. It is already making headlines with its first images, and it is sure to continue to amaze us for years to come.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to compare materials based on their density, and they will be able to measure the volume of water and the weight of an object. Students will also learn how to calculate density, and they will be able to communicate measurements using appropriate SI units.
The engineering context
Space Engineers must have a good understanding of density when they load cargo onto a spacecraft. They need to know the density of the materials they are loading to ensure the rockets have enough power to allow the spacecraft to lift off.
Download the free activity sheet!
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.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
How to draw a plan view in maths
Producing a plan view will help children to develop drawing skills, while also introducing concepts such as dimensions, proportion, and scale. All through our fun, hand-on maths activity!
Different types of drawing are used to communicate different types of information. Plan views see a section of an object as projected on a horizontal plane. In effect, a plan view is a 2D section drawing viewed from the top – this is different from a top view, which would see all of the features looking down from above. In the case of a room, for example, a plan view may show tabletops, chairs, doors etc., whereas a top view would also show the legs of the tables, light fittings etc.
Plan views are widely used to show rooms or buildings from above. They may include measurements, furniture, appliances, or anything else necessary to the purpose of the plan. Plan views may be used to see how furniture will fit in a room, for example when designing a new kitchen, to show the builders the layout of a new building, or on estate agent’s literature to give potential buyers an indication of what a house is like.
The lesson will help learners pick up an understanding of the practical uses of these drawings, from planning the layout of a room to presenting quite complex information about buildings.
This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum, particularly key stage two (KS2). It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and design and technology (DT). This could be used as a one-off activity, an extension to maths learning on scale, or linked to other school activities, such as preparing a map for parents evening.
The engineering context
Designers, engineers, and architects need to be able to communicate the details and features of rooms or products to other engineers, manufacturers, and users. This can include sizes, assembly instructions and layouts. Drawings are typically one of the main methods used for explaining this information – they can be found in every area of engineering and manufacturing.
Suggested learning outcomes
Children will learn about the purpose of a plan view drawing and be able to create one for themselves. They will also learn how to use dimensions and scale when drawing.
Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources
All activity worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Build a balloon race car
In this fun activity for KS2, students will make balloon race cars from plastic construction blocks, such as LEGO®. Using balloons to power their vehicles, they will measure their speed over a set distance.
This activity can be used as a main lesson activity to introduce students to the forces that cause movement or pneumatics.
Activity: Build a LEGO balloon race car
This resource is part of a set designed to help learners develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics (STEM) using summer themes. This resource can be used in school or at home and involves building balloon-powered cars from plastic construction blocks.
When making their balloon race car, students can be encouraged to use as many wheels as they want (3, 4, 6, or 8 have all been used effectively). They can also add any additional features they want for creativity, but keep in mind that these may slow the vehicle down.
This activity could be carried out individually; however, the speed measurement should ideally be carried out in pairs or small groups.
How long will this activity take to complete?
This activity will take about 40-60 minutes to complete.
The engineering context
Space rockets and jet engines use the force of gas expelled from the vehicle to move it. This is called thrust. The faster the gas is expelled, the greater the thrust, and the faster the vehicle will move.
Calculating the speed is important for almost all powered vehicles, from family cars to Formula 1 racers to space rockets. The speed of a vehicle determines how much thrust is required to move it and how long it will take to reach its destination.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to build a moving car using plastic construction blocks, they will be able to accurately measure the time taken by an activity, and they will have learned a simple way to calculate speed.
Download the free activity sheet 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.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Make international flag biscuits
Create biscuits in national flag colours to celebrate an international sporting event
Combine science, maths and design skills to celebrate the different nations taking part in international sporing events such as the Football World Cup and the Olympics. This fun STEM activity focusses on making and decorating biscuits with flags from the different nations.
Students will consider the colours and shapes used in different national flags. They will then make and use icing to colour their biscuits in national flag colours from each teams.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
Build your own football team
Select your own football team based on data and strategy
In this engaging activity for kids, students will use their math skills to build their own football team. Fantasy football games and football cards are great ways to get involved with football, follow players and enjoy the game even when the match is over. These activities explore the maths of fantasy football and football cards.
The purpose of this activity is to compare numbers and measures, add totals and find differences within the context of exploring the ways that footballers can be compared. The resource includes three different activities that allow students to consider who they want in their team, use stats to select players, and turn their team into Top Trump cards.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can download our step-by-step instructions as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
Fractions of the squad
Describing a sports team using fractions and percentages
In this fun maths activity, students will test their fractions and percentage skills by looking at football teams.
Before a big competition a squad is selected and from that the final team will be chosen. In this activity we describe the squad using fractions and percentages and then select a team. Can someone else work out which team has been selected from the fractions and percentages used to describe it?
The purpose of this activity is to deepen understanding of fractions and percentages as ways to describe proportion or parts of a whole. There are opportunities to look at equivalent fractions and equivalence between fractions and percentages.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can download our step-by-step instructions as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
Make a paper aeroplane launcher (World War II)
Learn about flight and making a successful paper aeroplane. Learners will make a launching mechanism to propel a paper plane further than they could throw it. Finally, they will test their launchers and observe how they work.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history and development of design, technology and engineering, alongside other flight-themed IET resources.
This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource was inspired by the theme of flight. It supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a paper aeroplane and launching device.
Tools/supplies needed:
Thick paper or card A4
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Elastic band
Paper clips
Tape or stapler
Extension
Add decoration such as camouflage to your launcher
What happens if you use a shorter or longer elastic band?
Could you improve this launching device using other materials?
The Engineering Context
Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about how mechanisms are used to help create enhanced movement, such as the catapult for launching panes from carriers.
Suggested learning outcomes
This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to make and test a paper aeroplane and launcher and be able to develop practical skills in manipulating materials skilfully.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
Balance the broomstick
This resource focusses on learners working out whether creatures and objects with different masses will successfully balance a lever, in this case the witch’s broomstick.
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn how a simple lever works and how it can be balanced. They will work through a series of examples to see whether different animals sat at each end of the broomstick will balance it or not. They will then find as many ways of balancing the broomstick as possible, using a given set of creatures, animals and objects with different masses.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about simple levers and how they work, or to introduce the concept of levers, mass and balancing. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on simple mechanical systems and/or the use of mathematics in context.
Activity: Use maths to balance a lever supporting different loads
Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn how a simple lever works and how it can be balanced. They will work through a series of examples to see whether different animals sat at each end of the broomstick will balance it or not. They will then find as many ways of balancing the broomstick as possible, using a given set of creatures, animals and objects with different masses.
Tools/supplies needed:
Pens and pencils
Paper or exercise books
For the extension, investigate the effect of moving animals up and down the broomstick.
The Engineering Context
Engineers need to be able to understand and apply mechanical principles so they can use them when solving problems. For example, how levers work and how they can be used in the design of different mechanical systems.
Engineers need to understand basic mathematical concepts, such as how units of measurement are used, and how these principles are applied in context.
Suggested learning outcomes
This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering with Mathematics, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand how a simple lever works and understand how to balance a lever with different masses.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.