Stories, applications, anecdotes, puzzles, interaction, games, ... can help bring alive mathematics. The Ri mathematics masterclasses aim to do precisely that. Below are links to resources that can help in planning and delivering rich tasks in the classroom. Each masterclass or classroom activity can be adapted to suit the needs of a range of age groups and abilities.
New - Set of six rich tasks for KS2
Platonic solids masterclass (KS2)
Platonic solids are the set of regular 3d shapes. For this masterclass, pupils will construct and investigate 3d shapes from faces and from assembling edges and vertices.
Pupils will have opportunities to -
- Be introduced to classification of 3d shapes, finding out what it means for a 3d shape to be regular
- Explore possible shapes that can be formed with only triangluar, square or pentagonal faces
- Use modelling equipment based on (1) faces and (2) vertices and edges to construct and compare solids
- Find out how the Platonic solids are named
- Develop understanding of how we can be sure there are only five
Calculating colours masterclass (KS2)
Through a mixture of explanation and practical work, pupils will look at how it is possible to give an accurate quantitative description of colours. In their practical work, pupils will mix varying quantities of red and blue water to create a range of different shades of purple.
Pupils will have opportunities to -
- Develop understanding of different ways in which proportion can be expressed
- Gain practical experience of combining solutions in varying proportions
- Describe solutions in terms of fractional (and percentage) composition
- Compare and order fractions
Maths trip - City walk (KS3)
What kind of mathematics can motivate a mathematics school outing? In this example the teachers organized a trip inspired by the work of the architects from Foster + Partners.
Curricular links:
- Creativity in integrating STEM knowledge in environmental issues
- Surface area and volume of 3d shapes
- 2d shapes
- 3d shapes
- Estimation
- Computer modeling
Fullerene / Buckyball classroom resource (KS3)
Can mathematics aid chemistry? This activity intends to give learners the opportunity to explore 3d shapes and place 3d skills in the context of the demands of architecture, engineering and scientific advancement. The rich and real context allows pupils to explore the topics further as out of the classroom investigations.
Subject links
M in STEM: chemistry, engineering, architecture, medicine, nanotechnology, weather forecasting, sculpture, paper folding technology
Mathematics: angle, tessellation, algebra, counting of faces, edges and vertices of 3d shapes leading into Euler's formula, Platonic solids, Archimedean solids.
Learning approaches: kinaesthetic activities, team work, spatial awareness, investigation.Resources on Mathematics Enrichment: A two-page listing of mathematics enrichment recources.Please note the Ri is not responsible for content held on external sites
Perfect thirds classroom resource (KS3)
What has mathematics to do with paper folding? What kind of fractions of a given length can we fold?
In this activity we provide a context to explore a kinesthetic study of number, fraction, proportion, similarity of shapes, properties of angles on straight lines, algebra of straight lines, simultaneous equations as well as ‘knowing for sure' versus ‘having numerical evidence'.
Coming soon - Geometry in fashion classroom resource (KS3)
For a video preview of the activities, click here.