Maths Investigation: the Lazy Professor

Whole lesson (plan and resources) on using algebra to solve a given number problem.

This resource has been developed to encourage children to think mathematically about a given problem, use existing number sense and understand how a formula can express a general rule.

The learning is tied to a story the children are told about the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, and how he ‘got the better of’ his teacher at the age of ten, having been set the task of adding up all the numbers from 1-100 so the teacher could have a rest.

The children are taught how to solve the query by pattern-spotting, making generalisations and finally algebraic expression and then asked to investigate further. Everything is extremely structured/scaffolded.

Although it has been labelled as suitable for ‘Upper Primary’ (Years 5 and 6), it is suitable to extend the mathematical thinking of younger children. It is especially ideal for an adult to deliver with a small group of higher-achievers, when something is being done in the classroom they do not need to go over at all.

This resource would work best with a whole class if there are other adults available to scaffold the learning as described in the lesson plan.

I would be very grateful if you would take the time to feed back, after you have used this resource.

Tip: For work in books, print slide 27 at the end of the slideshow in ‘2 slides per page’ mode, and ask children to glue in books, next to their workings out. (Trim into strips to show differentiated tasks.)