www.cyffredin.co.uk - maths website of the week

http://www.cyffredin.co.uk/

William’s home page

This website provides a collection of activities to help enrich mathematical learning using simple materials.

Shapes and Patterns made from Paper Circles

• Geometrical Activities with Magic Paper: This is the starting point for a range of practical activities that use a simple resource, paper. Use paper to explore mathematical concepts, develop creativity, and encourage deduction, problem solving and a delight in mathematical shapes.
• Window Patterns with Geometrical Shapes: These pages show you how to make exciting mathematical patterns by overlapping colored paper shapes. When they are displayed on the window new geometrical shapes emerge. It is an excellent activity in creating, and exploring standard mathematical shapes. It is ideal for small groups or the whole class.
• Where There Are No Instruments: In classrooms around the world the blackboard remains the major form of visual communication. . In many of these classrooms teachers have few if any geometrical instruments. Here are some ideas on drawing simple mathematical shapes and constructions using only what are available everywhere in the book.

Geometrical Activities with a piece of String: Using string figures in mathematics

• A Simple Number Generating Device: Making a number roller from a strip of card
• Multicultural Mathematics: Activities with closed loops such as rangavalli
• Beadwork Mathematics: Can be used as a resource in teaching geometry, and number and relationships.
• Match Mathematics: Puzzles, games and investigations with matches and matchboxes
• Simple Calculator Activities: These could be the basis for activities in any classroom where there is only one calculator.

Activities with Squared Paper: Improve learning in mathematics in poorly resourced Classrooms using squared blackboards and squared paper.

• Tangrami: A folding paper puzzle
• Pebble Puzzles: Collection of thinking and reasoning puzzles