Embedded Files
Please note: Activities marked with * were created to support distance learning
Please note: Activities marked with * were created to support distance learning
Problem Solving
Problem Solving
Headline Story
Headline Story
A headline story is a set of information presented in words or pictures, providing the setting for a problem without specifying a particular problem. In this activity, pupils are challenged to create mathematical questions, which can be posed and solved, based on the information presented. By creating their own questions, pupils have an opportunity to use mathematical language in a meaningful context. The example shown captures how a sample headline story can be used to generate a range of different mathematical questions. These questions can then be explored individually, in pairs/groups or as a whole-class and some questions could also be shared with other classes in the school. For further information on headline stories, please click here.
Paper Skeleton*
Paper Skeleton*
Pupils will measure and create a skeleton outline of a member of their family. Pupils measure out various parts of a group member’s body with paper. Remind the pupils to label the strips so they don’t mix them up. Pupils can measure and cut the following:
the length of your back from the top of your neck to the bottom of your back
the length of skull from the top of the head to the bottom of your neck distance between shoulder blades
the length of arm from shoulder to elbow
the length of arm from elbow to hand
the length of hand (length of fingers!)
the length of leg from hip to knee
the length of leg from knee to foot
the length of foot
Pupils can then assemble the life size ‘skeleton’ on coloured paper or newspaper.
PDST Measures Manual p.59 PDST Tomhais Lámhleabhar an Mhúinteora lch.60
Jump To It!*
Jump To It!*
Did you know that grasshoppers can jump 20 times their own body length? This activity requires pupils to complete various jumps and measure the distance of each jump in metres. Pupils will repeat the jump three times each and calculate the average distance jumped. Pupils measure their height and compare with the distances they jumped.
Money
Money
Supermarket Measures*
Supermarket Measures*
Choose a supermarket catalogue (many available online) and create a Maths trail for your pupils. Here are some suggested questions:
See page 7 and order the groceries from lightest to heaviest.
What is the heaviest/lightest item on page 9?
Find two items that weigh the same.
What is the total weight of a packet of coleslaw, a loaf of bread and a tub of butter?
On page 11, you will find two different types of cheese. Look carefully at the weights and prices and consider which is the best value for money. Explain your choice.
Your paper bag can only carry 1kg, what will you buy?
In addition to the above or as an alternative, invite your pupils to create questions based on a shopping catalogue. Provide pupils with some question prompts for example, what, how many, estimate, calculate and measure.
PDST Measures Manual p.157 PDST Tomhais Lámhleabhar an Mhúinteora lch.180
Weight
Weight
Stick to the Recipe*
Stick to the Recipe*
Baking provides pupils with a real-life context in which to apply their measurement skills. Below you will find a simple no-cook play dough recipe.
Ingredients:
130g flour
60g salt
120 ml water
Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the water into the mix and stir together using a spoon. Place on a smooth surface and turn out the dough. Knead together for a few minutes to form a smooth, flexible dough. Add a few drops of food dye for colour if available.
A number of baking recipes could be used, however, parent/guardian supervision may be required.
Area
Area
Concert Venue Design*
Concert Venue Design*
Pupils meet with scale exercises in Mathematics and SESE. The image displays a sample layout of a garden using a scale. In this activity, pupils are required to design the layout for an outdoor concert venue with the following specification:
The area must not be greater than 450 square metres
1 square centimetre on the page = 1 square metre of the concert venue (page accessed by clicking on the image)
Design a venue that will hold a stage, toilets and a tuck shop.
Due to health and safety regulations, the total area for the toilets must be equal to 36 square metres
What size will you decide to design for the stage and the tuck shop?
Will you need to consider space for anything else?
Adapted from Area 5 p.34 (links attached below)
Likelihood Line*
Likelihood Line*
The purpose of this activity is to enable pupils to consider the everyday nature of the language of chance by comparing and ordering events in terms of likelihood.
Pupils draw a likelihood line (see image for example). Alternatively, pupils could use a rope/string and label it from impossible to certain.
Pupils read statements and place them along the likelihood line, offering reasoning and proof for the placement of their statements.
Suggested Statements
The Electric Picnic music festival will take place in 2020.
Taylor Swift will be number one in the charts in 2020.
Daniel O’Donnell is more likely to be in the Irish charts this year than Olly Murs.
Niall Horan’s next single will have over 1 million Spotify downloads.
My teacher will be in the next world famous boy/girl band.
I will hear a live musical instrument today.
Encourage pupils to create their own statements based on topics of their interest.
PDST Data and Chance Manual p.97
Algebra
Algebra
Directed Numbers
Directed Numbers
Temperature Tour*
Temperature Tour*
In this task, pupils have an opportunity to identify positive and negative numbers in the context of temperature. Invite pupils to find the temperature in their local area and record it on a drawn thermometer or the worksheet linked in the image.
Fifth Class pupils:
Find the temperature of a place you would like to visit
Find a place that is hotter than your home/local area
Find a place that is colder than your home/local area
Find two places that are recording negative temperatures
Record all of these temperatures and places on the worksheet
Sixth Class pupils:
Find the temperature of a place you would like to visit
Find a place that is hotter than your home/local area
Find a place that is recording a negative temperature
Find somewhere that is at least 10° C hotter than your home/local area
Find a place that is at least 20° C colder than your home/local area
Record all of these temperatures and places on the worksheet
What is the difference between the hottest and coldest temperatures you have recorded? Write this as a number sentence e.g. -8° C + +2° C = -6° C
The link below may be helpful to your pupils in exploring temperatures around the world.
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