Making Maths
Using the mathematics of nature to inspire primary mathematics lessons
"What books are to reading, play is to mathematics " (Dan Finkel)
Do your pupils ever ask why we spend so much time on mathematics in school?
Can they explain how mathematics is relevant for everyone (even those who don't want to be mathematicians?)
Do you ever plan your mathematics lessons without knowing what the children will learn or produce?
Impact Story ...
Created with our wonderful partner schools
With special thanks to...
Mr Knight and Ms Button and their year 6 pupils
Get started with our project "Can numbers help tell stories?".
Making_Maths (1).mp4What is Making Maths?
This project is inspired by research at the University of Sheffield. Maker{Futures} has teamed up with researchers in the subject of Mathematical Biology to develop a making maths project for pupils in year 5 or 6.
Mathematical Biology is a subject dedicated to using maths to understand the natural world, from the cells in our body to the way animals move around their habitat.
Children will learn how to describe real life with numbers, and how to use this to make decisions and predictions. It is designed to give pupils the chance to discover how maths can be useful in everyday life.
There are no 'correct solutions', nor is there a set of given strategies pupils need to apply in order to complete this project. Get started with our project "Can numbers help tell stories?".
Have you completed our project?
Let us know your thoughts and help us develop future projects for schools
The Maker{Futures} approach breaks down learning into three parts
EXPLORATION
SKILL BUILDER
TINKER TIME
Maker{School} pedagogy
Each Maker{School} has its own unique look and feel as a space for children to develop and practice their maker skills and mindsets. Our principles guide all of our work and they will help you make the most of this Making Maths project
Pupils are encouraged to 'think like a mathematician'
Maker{Cycle}
Pupils use the Maker{Cycle} to evolve and *iterate their ideas and prototypes.
Children begin to understand that making improvements is key to being able to 'think like a Mathematician'.
*iterate by this we mean revisiting ideas to improve them
"Meet a Mathematician"
This project has been inspired by the work of real work of mathematical biologist, Dr Natasha Ellison.
Meet a mathematician.pdf
"Let's Make Maths!"
During tinker time, Natasha will invite pupils to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to a real-life scenario.
This is motivating for pupils who relish the opportunity to find solutions when faced with authentic challenges.