Railways transformed the ability to move things and people across the country and beyond, faster than was previously possible. The objects in this image bank showcase the influence of maths in the stories of trains and railways.

Stripes on a knitted jumper, the rhythm of lessons on a school timetable, spots on a leopard’s skin… Wherever something repeats over and over again, you will find a pattern. The objects in this image bank showcase the many ways we can find and interpret patterns.

Maths is used to collect and interpret data about individuals and populations to better understand health and disease. The objects in this image bank showcase ways of using maths to understand bodies and diseases.

It’s because of mathematicians that we have computers today. The objects in this image bank showcase the tools, people and challenges behind the development of computers.

This activity involves cutting out templates and looking through the openings to find these shapes in the real world.

A key mathematical skill is reasoning – making deductions based on logical analysis of available information. This activity, which involves trying to work out how shoelaces are connected inside a closed tube, provides a fun way to practice and think about logical reasoning.

An animation is made up of a sequence of still images shown in rapid succession, each image slightly different from the last. This activity involves making a device called a phenakistoscope, which displays a continuously looping animation consisting of images drawn onto a spinning disc.

Trigonometry is a branch of maths that relies on the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. This activity uses trigonometry to estimate the heights of tall objects, by making a simple tool that can measure angles.

A cipher is a code used to protect information that is being stored or communicated, so that only people who are allowed can access it. This activity involves making a cipher wheel of your own, which you can use to encrypt and decrypt messages.

Geometry is the study of shapes and their properties. This activity makes use of geometry in observing the shapes and angles soap bubbles create when they join together.

Shapes and patterns can be found all around us – from flowers to footballs, seashells to staircases. In this activity from the Science Museum, simple lines drawn on bottle tops or jam jar lids provide a fun way into the wonderful world of geometry. Learning Outcomes: - Investigate position, direction and movement of different shapes - Use observation, questioning and creative problem solving skills - See that patterns are used everywhere in the world around us Curriculum Links: KS1 & 2 Mathematics: Geometry KS1 & 2 Science: Working Scientifically

Many structures are built around frameworks made of straight, rigid pieces of wood or metal, called members, connected together. Forces generated in the members support the structure. In this activity, created by the Science Museum, drinking straws are used as members, to make a self-supporting dome. Learning Outcomes: - Investigate how mixing water changes the way it behaves - Use observation and questioning skills - See how the behaviour of materials has useful applications in our everyday lives. Curriculum Links: KS1 Science: Everyday materials KS2 Science: Properties and changes of materials KS1 &2 Science: Working scientifically