Investigating Number

These resources from Shropshire Centre for Mathematics Education provide a selection of mathematical investigations, which are capable of challenging students at all levels of attainment, allowing them to develop not only their powers of problem solving but also their understanding of mathematical concepts and reinforce their knowledge of basic number facts and skills.

In this programme students are generally introduced to new number concepts and skills through closely focussed activities in mathematical situations, which requires them to:

*select an appropriate mathematical strategy

*apply skills of reasoning

*generate data

*work methodically

Teacher's notes are provided and suggest ways of introducing the activities. In almost every case, the arithmetical component of the task is pitched at a level with which the majority of the age group can cope, differentiation arises in the way students are able to function as problem solvers.

Investigating Number - Years 1 and 2

Domino Squares, Two Rods, How Do They Fall, Three Happy Faces, Domino Loops, Tables for Bears, 5 A-side, First to Finish, Arrow Loops, Two from Four, Dartboards, Towers, Is it Fair, Stamps, Sticks, 1 2 3, Flapstrips, Straight Lines, No Left-overs, Make it Grow, Sticks and Squares, Cube Bridges, Growing Bridges.

Aspects referenced include: matching, addition, number bonds, difference, grouping, ordering two-digit numbers, growing patterns and measurement.

Investigating Number - Years 3 and 4

Trios, Cross-outs, Folds and Cuts, Noughts and Crosses, Twos and Threes, No Change, Three Dominoes, Lucky 13, Parcels, Nought to Twenty, Weights, Rods, Bonding, Make 10, Backwards & Forwards, Changing Places, Trays, Staircases, Pyramids, Different Positions, Fireworks, Super Fireworks, More Staircases, Surrounded, Odd or Even lines.

Aspects referenced include: addition, difference, number bonds, multiplication facts, place value, measurement and growing number pattern.

Investigating Number - Years 5 and 6

Combinations, How Many Rectangles, Sum and Difference, Stars, Palindromic Numbers, Handshakes, Area and Perimeter, Polygon Differences, Add the Digits, Rows of Differences, Triangular Numbers, Arranging Matches, Rectangles, Consecutive Numbers, Light Bars, Framing Pictures, Four Stages, Threes Fives and Eights, Clever Weights, Square Spirals, Skeletal Cubes, Trays.