A series of about 30 Power Points each with mixed starter activities testing basic numeracy of: - whole numbers - fractions, decimals, percentages - money - graphs - symmetry

This is an investigation into Pythagorean triples. Pupils will discover more triples, and also investigate using algebra to get a general solution. During the project they will learn to appreciate the value of working generally with algebra to find all solutions. Skills used: - Pythagoras (of course) - Fractions, including adding fractions - Algebra Full solutions included.

A fun activity to solve numeracy problems in a team. Two difficulties and full solutions provided.

This is a 2-page write on worksheet that tests these basic skills: - Lines of symmetry - Names of 2D shapes - 2D shapes that can be convex and non-convex Pupils can write directly on the sheet. Full solutions included.

This is a series of questions testing basic knowledge of percentages. They should be solved by converting the common percentages to fractions. They start easy then introduce increases and decreases, then more difficult numbers. Full solutions included.

A series of questions testing speed calculations, which are the ones pupils find hardest in DST. Full solutions provided.

An introduction to time. Reading the time from clocks, then difference between two times, and finally a challenge with times in the school weak. Full solutions provided.

This is a series of simple questions to give pupils practice in estimating a variety of different units in real life circumstances. The questions are straightforward but should produce a good basis of discussion. There is estimation in a variety of units and also some measuring. Full solutions included.

A series of basic questions testing these skills: • Use the four operations with whole numbers. • Use simple fractions in context. • Express numbers given in figures in words, and vice versa. • Use money in a range of contexts. • Interpret and use information. • Select the appropriate unit of measurement for length. • Measure to a required degree of accuracy • Perform calculations in everyday contexts. • Round to the nearest unit in context. • Use fractions and percentages in context. • Use 12-hour and 24-hour times for simple problems involving time. • Select the appropriate unit of measurement for length, weight or volume. • Order everyday objects according to weight or volume. • Perform calculations in everyday contexts. • Interpret and communicate information. • Use properties of shapes. • Use further measurement skills.

This is Power Point and practice questions to get pupils comfortable with subtracting a negative number. Rather than just stating that “it’s the same as adding” they will learn to do this instinctively, by thinking about temperature. Full solutions provided.

A problem solving project where pupils use Pythagoras to find how far away the horizon is, depending on your height about sea level. This is an open-ended project, where rather than being given all the information up front the pupils have to work in groups to explore the problem, then reflect on what techniques were effective. It practices several useful skills such as Pythagoras, circle geometry, expanding brackets and rearranging formulas. There is the scope for very good pupils to extend the project in interesting directions.

There are two comprehensive worksheets here practising basic skills with decimals. Full solutions included.

This is an investigation for the whole class to do at the same time, investigating the seemingly simple idea of the four corners of a rectangle. It will force pupils to get out of the simple thinking that every rectangle has to be lined up with the co-ordinate axes, with a horizontal base and vertical sides. Full solutions included.

Two pages of tricky riddles, that will keep pupils busy. The second page is much harder than the first. Solutions provided.

Pupils learn about money and get the chance to design their own coins. This activity is inspired by the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014.

Practice multiplying and dividing - first of all 10, 100, 1000 etc. - then by 20, 300, 4000 etc. - then using decimals, e.g. 1.3 x 300 A series of worksheets revising these basic skills. Full solutions included.

This is a set of six puzzles presented as large scale Power Points. I used them as colour A3 posters for a monthly maths competition. These puzzles are challenging and give the scope for comprehensive answers. Full solutions included.

This is two worksheets practising some important basic skills. The first worksheet is powers of ten and multiplication. The second worksheet introduces two-step multiplication (e.g. multiplying by 20 is ×2 and ×10) and division. Full solutions included.

A whole class activity to practise basic skills of adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Three different difficulties.

These two activities extend from 3 by 3 to 4 by 4 magic squares. Pupils design an individual magic square then search for symmetries.