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Raising the Profile of Maths, Maths Fun Days
The main aim of the Maths Fun Day is to engage pupils in interesting, fun mathematical activities, designed to promote a 'can do, will do' attitude to mathematics and number.
This is an interactive day requiring full involvement by all of the pupils. Support from teachers throughout the day is essential.
Session 1 (whole year group)
Number Magic
In this session, led by a maths officer, a number of 'magic' tricks, based on simple number (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) are performed and the pupils asked to explain how the trick is performed.
In this session, led by a maths officer, a number of 'magic' tricks, based on simple number (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) are performed and the pupils asked to explain how the trick is performed.
- The objectives of this session are:-
- to capture the pupils' imaginations
- to begin to show that number can be interesting and fun
- to begin to encourage discussion of simple number facts and operations
Resources required: large room (hall; library etc)
- flip chart or OHP
- paper
- pencils
- small number of calculators (if required)
Sessions 2, 3, 4 (smaller groups - 3 simultaneous working sessions)
Session 2
Maths Puzzle Trail
During this session, pupils in groups of 3 or 4, solve simple mathematical (number and logic) puzzles and problems. The answer of one puzzle leads the pupils to the next problem.
Practical Problem Solving Challenges
During this session, pupils in the same groups of 3 or 4, solve practical challenges. Most of these challenges have a logical element but are designed to focus mainly on aspects of shape and space. Several have a 'crytic' approach to language to encourage pupils to read carefully for understanding.
Resources required: large room (or hall) with tables and chairs but with ample space for pupils to walk around in groups.
wall space for puzzles.
During this session, pupils in the same groups of 3 or 4, solve practical challenges. Most of these challenges have a logical element but are designed to focus mainly on aspects of shape and space. Several have a 'crytic' approach to language to encourage pupils to read carefully for understanding.
Resources required: large room (or hall) with tables and chairs but with ample space for pupils to walk around in groups.
wall space for puzzles.
Session 3
Paper Folding
Through folding of standard A5 and A6 coloured paper, pupils will make hexagons, and pentagons. These are then put together to make 'footballs'. A prize will be presented to the best football from each group.
Resources required: room with large tables
Through folding of standard A5 and A6 coloured paper, pupils will make hexagons, and pentagons. These are then put together to make 'footballs'. A prize will be presented to the best football from each group.
Resources required: room with large tables
Session 4
Mathematical Games
Pupils will 'play' a number of mathematical games designed to develop mental mathematics and mental strategies.
Resources required: room with tables and chairs
Pupils will 'play' a number of mathematical games designed to develop mental mathematics and mental strategies.
Resources required: room with tables and chairs
Final session (whole year group)
Group/pair challenges
The final session is a short interactive whole-group activity led by a maths officer. Pupils are asked to help solve 'cryptic' 'fun' practical challenges with a mathematical solution (such as releasing two people tied together with loops of string).
Prizes
Prizes for winners from each session should be provided by the schoool.
Prizes for winners from each session should be provided by the schoool.
Sample Programme
9.30 - 10.15 Number Magic (whole year group)
10.15 - 10.30 Break
10.30 - 11.30 Session 1: 3 activity groups
11.30 - 12.30 Session 2: 3 activity groups
12.30 - 13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 14.30 Session 3: 3 activity groups
14.30 - 15.00 Prizes
