Maths
How we use maths in gardening
Measuring. We have to measure spacings from one planting to another. This is done using centimetres and often we have to use division to work out how many plants we can fit in a bed.
Counting and multiplication. We multi-sow our seeds in module trays. We have to count in 3s and 4s (how many seeds we put in each module) and multiplication can be used when doing large numbers of modules.
Dividing and measuring. We have to measure our space of our garden when building fencing, tables and other areas. We have to divide a larger number to work out what can fit where.
Mental maths. As we are outside, it makes sense to work out our problem solving in our heads. This means we are doing lots of mental maths.
Division. We need to share tools among our friends so have to divide them correctly.
Lower KS2 - years 3 and 4
"The principal focus of mathematics teaching in lower key stage 2 is to ensure that pupils become increasingly fluent with whole numbers and the four operations, including number facts and the concept of place value. This should ensure that pupils develop efficient written and mental methods and perform calculations accurately with increasingly large whole numbers"
National Curriculum, Gov.uk
Upper KS2 - years 5 and 6
"The principal focus of mathematics teaching in upper key stage 2 is to ensure that pupils extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers. This should develop the connections that pupils make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio."
National Curriculum, Gov.uk
KS3 and KS4- years 7-11
"The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils: become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions."