Open-ended or cross-curricular investigations
The 5-14 Guidelines refer to ‘an enquiry which could be part of a cross-curricular study’ as an important aspect of problem solving. In this clip four teachers give brief illustrations of this kind of open-ended investigation which they have undertaken with their classes. They are Fiona Hislop in Airlie Primary School, Teresa Cairney in St Andrew’s Primary School, Barry Litherland in Borgue Primary School and Alaister Stanners in Balfron Primary School
You will note that most of these investigations were not mathematical in origin and some might have been suggested by pupils themselves or have grown naturally out of the work of the class.
Points to consider
Can you think of similar examples that you have done in your class or school?
Do you think these kinds of investigations should be included in the school’s problem solving programme?
| Video 1: Four teachers describe open-ended investigations | |
|---|---|
| Description | Open-ended investigations in non-mathematical areas of the curriculum |
| Duration | 0 |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: Four teachers describe open-ended investigations |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: Four teachers describe open-ended investigations |
| Transcript | Four teachers describe open-ended investigations |
Ideas and links
- Borgue Primary School
A curriculum-wide approach to problem solving.
- Balfron Primary School
Cross-curricular opportunities for P7 pupils.