Reinforcing algebraic ideas is often better received in the form of a puzzle. Here, the puzzle takes the form of a maze.There are three areas of algebra, with a maze for each: Solving equation given as word problems. Solving quadratic equations using factoring. Solving quadratic equations by completing the square. These are areas of algebra that students can find challenging and it is useful to revisit. The materials are primarily written for Key Stage 4 students, but may prove suitable for able pupils at Key Stage 3. Each puzzle pack contains a pupil worksheet, answers and full worked solutions.

Variety of simultaneous equations to solve, focusing on substitution. Includes answers and working-out in full. Gradual progression in difficulty.

This resource is principally about number patterns found in the game of Noughts and Crosses, also known as Tic-tac-toe. Pupils are encouraged to find such patterns in a variety of different arrays, to record their results on a table, make written statements and generalise their results algebraically. They do this by investigating the number of winning lines on different size and type arrays both 2-D and 3-D. Originally, this resource was written for a class of youngsters in KS3, although there is no reason for it not to be used with older pupils. I would suggest that pupils work in pairs and that they be allowed to discuss findings in a way that shows engagement and focus. Also make it clear that some pairs, yet to be decided, will have the opportunity to discuss their work on the whiteboard in front of their peer group towards the end of the session. In terms of assessment it might be useful for pupils to be given the opportunity to write up their work in the following lesson.

This resource concerns itself with powers and roots. Beginning with square roots, it builds to cover cube roots and nth roots in equations. The differentiation is left to the teacher, who can decide the most appropriate place for groups to start. Pupils need to be introduced to the abbreviation, +/-. All the answers are given, but on this occasion not the working-out. The last section poses questions on powers and roots related to 2025.

This resource was written to give pupils an insight into the development of mathematical ideas by some of the great mathematicians of the past. Many brilliant people have been responsible for the research and development of such ideas, sometimes working in collaboration with others. A short biography is given followed by a brief explanation of how that individual developed their particular interest. Most importantly, there are problems, puzzles and investigations that are included to promote understanding and application of that particular field of mathematics. A second booklet provides solutions and may be helpful for extending ideas. The resource was originally written for a group of youngsters who were in KS3 and attended a weekly extra-curricular activity during and after school. It could be used with a class of pupils, although I would suggest that they work in groups of mixed ability, probably no larger than 3 to encourage focus and the sharing of idea. Access to the internet will be required. In our case this was without problem as I was able to book a computer suite, or make use of tablets.

Delivering and reinforcing mathematical ideas to youngsters is often better received in the form of a puzzle. Here the puzzle is a maze. Three topics are covered: solving equations, probability and ratio. These are areas that students can find challenging and it is useful to re-visit. The materials are primarily written for KS4 pupils but may also prove suitable for able youngsters at KS3. With each is a pupil worksheet, answers and worked solutions. It is my intention to add further topics over time.

A functional cross-curricular mathematics project that aims to show the relevance of the subject in the real world. Covers many areas of the Maths National Curriculum at upper KS2 and KS3 and has been used successfully with Year 7 pupils working collaboratively in pairs. Updated July 2023

An activity that has stood the passage of time from the its inception by Sam Loyd to the present digital age. Perhaps you remember having such a toy as a child? The purpose of the task is to complete a picture given a set of image boxes. The full picture is completed by moving the smaller pieces around the grid following given rules. The mathematical element involves working out the least number of moves (not as easy as perhaps you think) and then using the sequence to find the nth term. The activity has been tried and tested with Key Stage 3 pupils and is particularly effective where children are placed in pairs and allowed to compete and chat about their ideas. Of course, they need to be focused on the task. Included: pupil worksheet, resource material, extension task, solutions.

A range of fun mathematical problems on the theme of chocolate suitable for pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4. All solutions and working-out included.

Over the last five years I have written articles for Symmetryplus, the maths magazine published for the 14-18 age group with an interest in mathematical ideas. Here you will find the first five articles. The focus and style is similar to that of the NRCH project taking an investigation approach. ll the answers are given with ideas of how these might be taken forward. Have fun “doing” maths.