Maths Fun Day
Alan Reddie, Principal Teacher of Mathematics, Alloa Academy, Clackmannanshire
Alloa Academy Mathematics Department used a Stirling Maths Fund grant to create a mathematics fun day which aimed to provide an enjoyable mathematics experience for children of all mathematical abilities.
Friday 20 June saw 161 pupils attending our Maths Fun Day at Alloa Academy. The programme for the day was loosely based on the Enterprising Maths format often used by schools and education authorities but with one major difference in that our pupils were not selected because of their ability in mathematics but, in fact, represented the full range of abilities from level A to level E in 5–14 terminology.
The purpose of the day was to encourage pupils to enjoy mathematics: in many ways to overcome the comment made by many adults: 'I could never do maths when I was at school.' We attempted to provide a programme which catered for all abilities so that even the least able pupil could participate and get something put of the events.
The programme for the day began with a time register, both for pupils and helpers. This allowed the pupils to get into teams and on the day that meant 23 teams of seven.
Thereafter the fun began.
The first event was a team competition with a variety of questions/puzzles. Teams could work as individuals, pairs or whole teams on these. They had freedom to decide. However, each team did have a supervisor/helper to ensure that the tasks got under way.
After a quick break the halls were rearranged to set up stations, with the teams moving from station to station. This involved tasks such as tangram work and using cubes to make 3D shapes.
The timescale allowed for flexibility and we introduced a few 'countdown puzzles' for the teams to try.
After another break it was back to the halls for 'model making'. Two sheets of cardboard, a pair of scissors, a couple of straws and the instruction - 'Make a paper aeroplane and make a car.' The whole group was then in the main hall for the testing of aeroplanes and cars. The aeroplanes were launched from the stage into the main hall and measurements were made and points awarded.
A ramp was provided for the cars to roll down, again with measurements being taken and points awarded. The audience participation in cheering on the competitors added to the enjoyment obviously experienced.
Then it was time for lunch. For pupils who wanted them, puzzles were provided, for example word searches. Others enjoyed the break and the facilities of the school.
Friday afternoon - possibly the most difficult time for teaching - yet we were under way with a relay competition in which everyone was participating, answering questions and running about, with everyone having a good time and showing obvious signs of excitement and enjoyment.
The end of the day - well almost!
The prizegiving with various awards being made was our finale, together with a few words of thanks, which included one to the sponsors, without whom it would not have been possible to run the day.
We as a department learned a lot from the day, for example how long the youngsters took for certain tasks, how long they could concentrate on tasks, and how much supervision was needed.
At the end of the day staff reaction was - exhaustion! - but a satisfied exhaustion in that they had seen and shared in the pupils' enthusiasm and enjoyment.
The Stirling Maths Fund support meant that we could provide 'professional materials' for example laminated worksheets for various tasks, and 2 cm cubes for building 3D models, etc.
Would we run the day again?
The answer is YES.
However, we would be tempted to split the year group into two so that everyone could be accommodated in the one venue.
Maths Fun Day programme
- Registration
- Team Competition
- Stations
- Model Making
- Games
- Relay
- Prizegiving
When the first year pupils started school on 19 August for the new term a group were asked for their views of the day and these were very positive, even though the group of pupils involved were in fact the fifth out of six sets!
Maths Fun Day activities
PDF file: Maths Fun Day activities (236 KB)
A selection of games, resources and activities from the Alloa Academy Maths Fun Day.
PDF file: Relay questions and answers (155 KB)
The questions and answers from the relay section of the Alloa Academy Maths Fun Day.
PDF file: Instructions to Supervisors (31 KB)
A set of instructions for the supervisors of each of the groups that took part.