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Maths for early years
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Investigate why boats float
Using Archimedes’ principle to investigate why boats float
In this activity learners will learn what is meant by density. Learners will perform an experiment to see whether modelling clay moulded into different shapes either sinks or floats. They will discuss why this happens and how the principle demonstrated allows boats to stay afloat.
This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource focuses on understanding density and, through practical measurement, working out which materials are low and high density, and which will therefore float or sink.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a mould to make the boat shape from the modelling clay or by pre-measuring the mass of modelling clay used.
As an extension students could try adding small items into the modelling clay boat. How much weight can it carry before it sinks? Calculate the density of the ball and the boat shape made from modelling clay.
This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Bowls and trays
Science beakers/Measuring jugs
Weighing scales
Water
Modelling clay
The engineering context
The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts.
Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how Archimedes’ principle works; that is two things are the same size, the one that is denser is heavier; and how boats use the Archimedes principle to stay afloat.
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.
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Gear ratios
In this activity learners will carry out a practical investigation to investigate how spur gears work, including calculation of simple gear ratios and assembling models of simple gear trains.
Gears are used to change the speed at which something turns. A series of gears that turn each other are called a ‘gear train.’
This resource has been developed with the support of the Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre and focuses on the role of gears in a mechanism. The main activity involves making a series of spur gears to calculate gear ratios and see them working.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of gears in D&T or the practical use of ratios in maths, or as part of a project/series of lessons creating a mechanised object.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
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.
Tools/resources required
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Sharp pencil
• Card and Split pins
• Blu Tack (for piercing the card safely)
• Cardboard (Alternative: foam board and thumb tacks)
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.
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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.
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Count using hieroglyphics
Learn how to write numbers in hieroglyphics
Through this activity students will learn what hieroglyphics are and how they were used by the ancient Egyptians. They will then discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics and how to use them to carry out basic numeracy functions. This fun activity will test students’ maths abilities, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources are included to provide support for teachers.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics. This could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the works of the ancient Egyptians contributing to learning in D&T, History and Mathematics or as an alternative method of reinforcing learning in basic numeracy.
Additionally, this could be used to start a discussion on Ancient Egypt or to introduce the concept of people using different languages. It could also be used in conjunction with the other IET activities in this theme, ‘Making Papyrus’ and ‘Write like an Egyptian’.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
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.
Downloadable content
• Count using hieroglyphics activity
• Count using hieroglyphics presentation
Tools/resources required
• Paper
• Pens/pencils
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.
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Create a stone garden display
Create a stone garden display for the school entrance to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the King’s coronation to design a rock garden in the style of a flag or other item to commemorate the event. They will consider the design brief for the criteria, use a template to produce a design on paper, consider the scale for the final display and produce the final display.
The teacher will first explain what a commemorative stone garden or display is with suitable examples which learners will discuss to state what is good about each example and what could be done better. Learners will then discuss which images should be used, for example, a Union Jack flag or a crown. The teacher will then lead the learner through the stages of design, scaling up, making and installing their stone garden where the class will come together to assemble their display in the designated area at school.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by supplying regular sized pebbles and cutting out the paper rocks to be the same size as these pebbles, then missing out the maths scaling part of the activity. To help, learners could also be provided with images for inspiration, e.g. flags, crowns, school entrance locations, etc.
Use the handout for learners to cut out the 2D paper stones, sketch their design ideas onto them and assemble their stones into their garden design.
As an extension students could create a border around their display incorporating flowers and plants and/or design a new flag to represent the whole of the United Kingdom.
Tools/resources required
Coloured paper – red, blue and white
Scissors
Glue sticks
Alternative: coloured pencils or paints
Paint (water based acrylic paint)
Brushes and water to clean them
Gloves and overalls
Stones and small cobbles
Paint suitable for outside use
The engineering context
All designers and engineers need to be able to produce ideas related to certain themes and follow a design brief. This ensures that the products they design will meet the needs of the end users, customers or clients.
Using natural materials is becoming more common in the built environment. It is important for engineers to have a working knowledge of different natural materials and their potential applications.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to design and produce an attractive stone display to celebrate the King’s coronation; produce designs that meet a given brief; and be able to use measurements and scaling when designing.
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.
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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.
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Make a pyramid
**Make a pyramid out of paper and learn how to calculate its volume **
Students will understand how to make a pyramid out of paper in this fun activity for kids. Students will create both small and large pyramids. Students will learn about scale by comparing the large pyramids with the smaller pyramids.
Following this, students will learn how to calculate the volume of the pyramids. This activity will test students’ maths abilities, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources and activity sheets are provided to support teachers.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will learn about 3D structures within a graphical project. Learners will have an opportunity to use a net to make pyramids of different sizes.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
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.
Downloadable content
Make a pyramid activity
Make a pyramid presentation
Make a pyramid handout
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Paper
Rulers
Scissors
Calculators
Sticky tack (optional)
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.
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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.
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Build an Easter bunny basket
Making structures from card and assembling these into baskets
In this hands-on STEM activity for kids, students will learn about 3D structures within a graphics projects. The project will involve using templates to help them cut out the parts for an Easter bunny basket.
This fun exercise is aimed at primary school children and 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 free 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 an Easter bunny-shaped basket.
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 build their own DIY Easter bunny basket. Once learners have completed each step for themselves, the teacher can explain how nets are used to make objects and how separate parts are used to make a larger structure.
Learners will share their completed bunny baskets 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
Scissors
Cotton wool (for the bunny tails)
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 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 basket structure from card parts.
Download the free Build an Easter Bunny Basket activity sheet below! Also includes 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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Chinese zodiac animal wheel
Make a Chinese zodiac animal wheel to learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product.
In this activity learners will learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product. Learners will use a template to cut out the circle templates for the Chinese zodiac animal wheel and also learn about the twelve zodiac animals.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by an animal with a different personality. Why not find out more about this tradition and a Chinese zodiac animal wheel from a template?
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Tools/resources required
Thin card
Scissors
Pencils
Sticky tack
Paper fasteners
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.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
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Fortune cookie
Learn about cutting and folding simple 3D structures by making a fortune cookie from card.
In this activity learners will learn about cutting and folding simple 3D structures within a graphics project. Learners will use a provided template to cut out the circle for the fortune cookie.
The fortune cookie first appeared in 1890 in San Francisco, USA. They have a typical shape and contain a message on paper. It became a Chinese New Year tradition even though fortune cookies only reached China in 1989.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Tools/resources required
Thin, coloured Card
Scissors
Glue sticks
Paper fasteners
Decoration materials
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 do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
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Fun with fractions
Teaching fractions and measurement through filling beakers
During this enjoyable KS1 activity, students will have the opportunity to experiment with working out fractions while enhancing their comprehension of capacity. Fractions are like puzzle pieces that help us understand how to divide things into equal parts.
Using water and different sized beakers/containers, that are proportional to each other in size, to explore capacity and volume.
By the end of this activity, students will be able to explore and work confidently with fractions.
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 maths and science.
The engineering context
Comprehending capacity and volume is crucial for engineers as they design containers for various liquids and materials. Whether it’s aircraft fuel tanks or a simple tube of toothpaste, knowing when they are half full or half empty is essential.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to describe and measure capacity and volume, and they will be able to understand that fractions, halves and quarters can be combined as part of a whole unit.
Download the activities sheets for free!
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.
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.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation
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Paper chain fun
Consider colour sequences and measurements while making paper chains for Christmas
Paper chains are super easy to make and a great way to decorate a room or Christmas Tree. In this Christmas STEM activity, students are going to try to make the longest chain possible with three pieces of paper. Students will consider the different sequences that are all around them, whilst thinking about colour patterns and number sequences.
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 do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM
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Measure the velocity of balloon rockets
A project to measure the velocity of balloon rockets.
In this fun activity, learners will make a balloon rocket and carry out timed tests to calculate the velocity of the balloon. This activity introduces the concept of flight, speed and energy through the making of a balloon rocket.
You will need:
Balloons of various shapes
Balloon pump
String
Scissors
Sticky tape
Thin card/paper
Pencil
Stopwatch/timing device
Measuring tape (5 m)
Calculators
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.
And please do share your learning highlights with us on social media @IETeducation
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Blindfold maze KS1 maths game
Using directions to guide pupils through a table maze.
Clear instructions and correct vocabulary are important to ensure that the learners know how to complete the maze. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce geometry, position and direction.
The engineering context
When engineers program robots, they must be very clear in their instructions to avoid confusion. For example, the Mars Rover must follow very detailed instructions to help it move safely on the planet and send back pictures.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to follow a set of verbal instructions to navigate a maze successfully, they will be able to understand the importance of clear instructions when instructing others, and they will be able to use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement.
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
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How to make a Christmas cracker
Use design and technology skills to use a 2D net to make a 3D Christmas cracker and hat
This engaging activity for kids is one of a series of accessible STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Mathematics, Design & Technology and Engineering.
Download our free activity sheet for a step-by-step guide on making a DIY Christmas cracker and hat from paper.
This activity could be carried out individually or in small groups. Once you have created your Christmas cracker, consider what gifts you could put into it. Who would you give the gift to?
Students could add designs to the Christmas cracker and hat as a fun extension activity. For example, they could add different colours and images related to Christmas, such as reindeer or snowmen. Learners could also create a joke book to be put inside their crackers using the IET resource titled ‘Christmas cracker jokes’.
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Paper
Coloured pencils
Scissors
Gold/Silver pens to add decoration
Pre-printed Christmas images
The engineering context
Engineers use nets to make 3D models of structures and even products like vacuum cleaners.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, you will understand what a 2D net or surface development means and how engineers assemble them into 3D objects, structures and products. You will then learn how to create and make a Christmas cracker and a hat from a net.
Download the free How to make Christmas crackers 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.
Oh ho ho, please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
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Gingerbread man STEM challenge
Explore maths with gingerbread men, and find out how many combinations of buttons are possibilities. This is a simple maths game for KS1 and KS2 mathematics, as a curriculum mapped activity to do at school or home.
This activity in partnership with MEI is a ‘finding all possibilities’ type of problem. It encourages children to work systematically to ensure they know when all the solutions have been found, as well as ensuring they haven’t made any two gingerbread men look exactly the same. A strategy that will be promoted is the idea of fixing one of the variables, in this case one of the buttons, whilst changing the others in turn. To ensure they become confident talking about their maths, ask the children to work in pairs if possible in a classroom or at home.
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 either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.