Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Angles & Lines Maths Trail for Senior Classes

As part of Maths week, I carried out a maths trail with my class on the topic of Angles and lines.  

What is a maths trail? 
"A Maths Trail is an organised walk through an area close to school where pupils can experience maths in the real world. A trail will help to highlight for them the huge use we make of number in our everyday life and how Maths surrounds us in even the most unusual areas" (PDST, 2014)
  
The trail I used offered the children the opportunity to explore the use of angles and lines in the environment around them.   Before starting I set out some ground rules. 

·      Children formed groups of three and four. 
·      I then assigned one piece of equipment to each child as follows:
o   Chalk
o   A large protractor
o   A metre tape
·      All children were given the task sheet and set out in their groups to complete each task.

TIP! Before setting out on the trail.  Make sure to discuss what is required on the trail prior to leaving the classroom!
The children absolutely loved the activity and for many helped increase their understanding of lines and angles. 

I have attached a free copy of the maths trail I used here! Google Docs Maths Trail File

Feel free to download and try it out with your class. (Please note: Share the file to your own account before editing! :))  Let me know how you get on!


Don’t forget to discuss your findings when you return to the classroom!

If you're thinking of creating your own trails, PDST have some great advice here and prompt questions: 

There are also some other examples of trails you can use here: 




Yvonne 

3 comments:

  1. Hi Yvonne, super ideas, thank you, will definitely try out asap. What class do you teach, they look very diligent in the photos,,good job guys!
    Niamh
    www.rangniamh.edublogs.org

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Niamh!
    Thanks for your comment! :)
    Let me know how you get on!
    I'm teaching sixth class at the moment!

    Yvonne

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  3. Yvonne, I'm trying to contact you about a Young Inventor's Competition. I couldn't find your email anywhere. If you don't mind could you drop me a line: peter.stranney@mediaworks.co.uk.

    Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from you :)

    ReplyDelete