When exploring angles a Clinometer can be an excellent tool. They are relatively cheap and they give really useful reading from which children can draw triangles from the observer to a tree. Concepts which can be investigated are: 1.The angle need to build a flying fox. Then constructing a drawing of the flying fox. 2.Continue reading “Clinometer Excellent for Outdoor Work”
Category Archives: Equipment
Large Meccano
This large Meccano was produced by me at Springfields school. It spawned a whole plethora of different teaching ideas. Here are a selection: 1. Shape Investigation 2. Angle Games 3.Builing and Costing a Rescue Shelter 4. Investigating Maths in Bridge Building Challenge
In Search of Real Data – Heart Sensors
These are a great way of collecting data in a range of situations form activity to meditation. The cheaper watch ones tend to be unreliable and it is best to go for the full strap heart rate monitors. Approx £40 on ebay
Robots and Maths at Primary
There are a number of different robots available for maths at the Primary level. They teach sequential logic, counting and turning. The resources can be extended further by imaginative use of mats to include time based problems. The two systems I like are Bebot and Bigtrack. The big track has a great expansion capacity andContinue reading “Robots and Maths at Primary”
100 Beads on a string – what every kid should have!
I believe even high functioning kids forget their number bonds. Using this simple way of getting students to comeback to counting and segmenting ensures that their mathematical brains develop correctly.
Linking Cubes Still Great
These have been with us for a great deal of time. However a revisit of this tried and tested resource is overdue. The cube sets be used to explore the following problems really well: Primary: number bonds, counting, area squares and rectangles, basic volume Secondary: plan, side and elevation drawing, cube and square numbers, volumeContinue reading “Linking Cubes Still Great”
Construction Sets – Geo Strips
Geo Strips can be a great way of making basic geometric shapes and discovering symmetry or the younger years 2. Knex for students of an older age The knex system is ideally suited for geometry and angles. It allows for architectural construction and has an active user group involve in maths.
In Search of Real Data – Thermometers
From about £4 Thermometer work can be a really interesting way of discovering the school grounds and rooms. Taking measurements through out the school can lead to the development of heat maps. Other questions which it can raise are: Where is the most heat being used? Where would be the warmest place outside for aContinue reading “In Search of Real Data – Thermometers”
In Search of Real Data – Forehead Thermometers
I have used these little strips for measuring temperature after exercise of after being outside. You can get the students to hold their breath and for short periods to see if they an raise the temperature. Once again results can be processed in the normal way. Another alternative is to create a heat map ofContinue reading “In Search of Real Data – Forehead Thermometers”
In Search of Real Data – Stop Watches
Measuring and thinking mathematically about a problem is crucial part of Maths education. However often we do not collect enough real interesting data to capture the students imagination. The following basic tools can be used to gain data which will motivate students: 1. Stop Watches These can be used for a whole load of timeContinue reading “In Search of Real Data – Stop Watches”
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