Making things work
These sector resources support the teaching of mathematics in the context of construction design. Each of the resources encourages students to apply their mathematical knowledge in a practical scenario. The activity Bridges and structures creates an opportunity for students to analyse, design, build and test structures for strength. In Stretchiness students collect data to investigate the properties of materials and how they are affected by changing conditions. Printing provides a kinaesthetic activity which requires careful consideration of the structure of a booklet, formed from folding a sheet of A4 paper, and the order in which the pages are numbered. The Pit stop activities focus on the performance of model solar cars, through a series of racing challenges and include calculation of averages, estimation and distance-time graphs.
Making things work | Bridges and structures
This resource sets challenges which require students to be constructive, creative and to think strategically about simple structures. All three activities offer opportunities to develop the group work and communication skills needed to work collaboratively. In both Tallest tower and Longest bridge students work strategically, plan and implement different design strategies and test their designs. The students consider data collection and work with measures of average. Testing bridge design raises
Making things work | Stretchiness
This resource models one way in which engineers use their knowledge of mathematics to investigate the properties of materials. Here the property under investigation is the stretchiness of jelly sweets. Measuring stretchiness involves the collection of real data, percentages and experimental design.
Making things work | Printing
This resource looks at challenges derived from printing processes where geometric thinking is required. In Folding booklets students use logic and number patterns. Placing adverts develops students awareness of area and leads into work on factors.