STEM SUSSEX

Funmaths Roadshow

Aim

To develop pupils’ problem solving skills and gain confidence and enjoyment from using a range of known number facts.

Description

Using materials developed by Liverpool Hope University College, the Roadshow allows pupils from KS2, KS3 or KS4 and year 12 to undertake mathematical activities in a non-confrontational setting where everyone succeeds, the keywords being enjoyment and challenge.

In a typical 60 minute session most pupils will complete well over a dozen activities. The Roadshow is ‘all ability’ in that each crate contains some very easy and some quite challenging activities, all mixed up together.

Curriculum links

Mathematics Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and Year 12: Using and applying number; numbers and the number system; calculations; solving numerical problems; using and applying shape, space and measures; understanding properties of shape.

Promotes the following key skills:

• Application of number, through using and applying the knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematics
• Problem solving, through selecting and using methods and techniques, developing strategic thinking and reflecting on whether the approach taken to a problem was appropriate
• Communication, through learning to express ideas and methods precisely, unambiguously and concisely
• Working with others, through group activities and discussions of mathematical ideas
• Improving own learning and performance, through developing logical thinking, powers of concentration, analytical skills and reviewing approaches to solving problems.

Planning and running the session

Activities from the crate for the appropriate key stage are placed on 26 tables in a large space, ideally the school hall. Each table should be large enough for two A3 laminated baseboards. No chairs are required. It takes half an hour to set up. The length of each session is one hour, with up to half an hour between sessions to allow for tidying up and replacement of materials etc. Finally, half an hour should be allowed to check and pack puzzles away before the space is available for use.

At least one additional adult should be available to assist the SETPOINT representative to set the activities out. After an initial briefing, pupils work in pairs to solve a puzzle, it is then checked by a helper and the response sheet initialed. Helpers can also offer support where needed and record the puzzle the pupils’ found most enjoyable and secondly, most challenging. Schools will need to photocopy an A5 response sheet for each pair. A Certificate of Achievement is also available for copying for each pupil.

Key point

Completed activities are checked to make sure they have been solved correctly and that every pupil gains a sense of achievement as well as enjoying the activities.
Costs

STEM Sussex funded the initial assembly of the Funmaths Roadshow for all Key Stages. The costs to schools, based on actual delivery costs, is:

£100 for two one hour sessions or £150 for three one hour sessions, plus travel costs. Each session is for up to 90 KS2/3 pupils or up to 30 KS4 pupils.

Crates available:

• Crates A or B - Key Stage 2
• Crates C or D - Key Stage 3
• Crate E - Advanced Key Stage 3/Introductory Key Stage 4
• Crates F or G - Advanced Key Stage 4
• Crates H or J - Year 12

Activity Mapping

National Curriculum
Maths - Ma2, Ma3

Other benefits to the school
ECM - 3 and 4
SEF - 4e, 5a, 5b, 6a
Other - Motivation, self esteem

To book

Please complete the booking form and return by email or fax.

Download booking form

For more information contact:

 

« Back to STEM activities page