Identify equivalent fractions. Shade squares to reveal the answer to the joke, Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Key words: Equivalent, fraction, match, shade, fractions, multiples, multiple, equivalent fraction, joke, decode, worksheet, joke, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Use prime factors to find the square root of a number. This task is easily extended (decide if the square root of a number is an integer value, or not). The task develops a feeling for number and underpins an understanding of surds. Key words: integer, factor, prime factor, factorisation, square root, root, surd.

Manipulate expressions using the Laws of Indices. Decode each puzzle to work out the punchline to a joke. (with answers) Key words: index, indices, notation, expression, index laws, laws of indices, base, bases, power, powers, raising a power to a power, divide, multiply, puzzle, joke, decode, worksheet, practice, math, maths, mathematics, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Expressions with the same base can be manipulated using the Law of Indices. Decode the puzzle to practice using the laws of indices. If you like this resource search for Index laws 1, 3 and 4. Key words: index, indices, notation, expression, index laws, base, bases, power, powers, multiply, divide, puzzle, joke, decode, worksheet, practice, math joke, maths joke, mathematics, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Students decode a paragraph to find out about the first force that anyone really figured out in any detail; gravity. The puzzle relies on an ability to multiply by 2, 5 and 10. It can be used to identify a numeracy deficit involving simple multiplication. Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors (answers included). Can be used in Science or Mathematics. Keywords: Physics, forces, 2s, 5s, 10s, times table, message, decode, gravity, interact, reaction, direction, worksheet, cross curricular numeracy, numeracy, deficit, math, maths, numeracy across learning, (unlock untangle understand).

It is likely that you will shop in a supermarket, but will you spot the cheapest deals? ‘Best buy’ questions have been a staple on exam papers for years. Compare offers using equivalent quantities or unit cost to identify the best deal. Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Each puzzle also supports literacy. Students have to split the string of letters into recognisable words to answer the joke (answers included). The symbols on the tins are Mongolian numerals. Key words: best buy, value for money, proportion, equivalent quantities, estimate, unit cost, comparison, compare, ratio, joke, shopping, supermarket, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Six puzzles to support cross curricular numeracy in: Humanities, English, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. Use the puzzles in different subject areas to identify a numeracy deficit connected to place value or issues of transference from mathematics to other subjects. Puzzles can be used as starters. Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Each puzzle also supports literacy. Students have to split the string of letters into recognisable words to answer the joke. If you find these resources useful there are more, search for: Place value - decimals (cross curricular numeracy_2 or _3). Keywords: cross curricular, numeracy resource, the decimal system, read decimal numbers, place value, units, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, decimal, elements, noble gas, helium, waves, hertz, renewable, gigabytes, numeracy, joke, jokes, rhetorical, dark ages, invasion, knight, joke, code, puzzle, international joke day, numeracy deficit, transferrance, diagnostic tool, worksheet. (undo, untangle, understand)

Find a fraction of an amount using unitary fractions to calculate the punchline to a joke. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Key words: denominator, unitary fraction, proportion, fraction, fraction of an amount, share, whole, hole, total, joke, maths joke, punchline, decode, if it takes six men one hour to dig three holes...

Four mobile balancing problems to support algebraic reasoning. The thinking used in these puzzles is the same as the logic used behind solving equations. Explore equivalence where the LHS = RHS (Answers included). Key words: equivalence, mobile problems, balance, pan balance, relationship, solve, balance problem, unknown, joke, logical thinking, multi-step problems, algebraic reasoning, puzzle, decode, worksheet, math, maths, mathematics, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Expressions with the same base, can be manipulated using the Law of Indices. Decode the puzzle to practice the laws of indices when raising a power to another power, includes multiplying and dividing indices. If you like this resource, search for Index Laws 1, 2 and 4. Key words: index, indices, notation, expression, index laws, base, bases, power, powers, raining a power to a power, multiply, divide, puzzle, joke, decode, worksheet, practice, math, maths joke, mathematics, (unlock, untangle, understand).

Match the decimals given in words to the number given in digits. Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Each puzzle also supports literacy. Students have to split the string of letters into recognisable words to read the punchline. (answers included). If you like this, search for: Place Value - A pack of decimal and fraction puzzles. Keywords: place value, decimals, units, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, puzzle, joke, number system, practice, math, maths joke, mathematics, unlock untangle understand.

Nine puzzles for students to decode (pick and mix). Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Each puzzle also supports literacy. Students have to split the string of letters into recognisable words to answer the joke. (answers included). Six other puzzles, which are simpler, can be found at - Place value - decimals (cross curricular numeracy). If students need support, project or print off the place value poster. Harder puzzles can be found under - Place value - powers of 10. Keywords: the decimal system, read decimal numbers, place value, units, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, decimal, fraction. mixed number, puzzle, joke, code, number system, reading scale, joke, worksheet, math, maths, mathematics, unlock untangle understand.

It is likely that you will shop in a supermarket, but will you spot the cheapest deals? ‘Best buy’ questions have been a staple on exam papers for years. Compare offers using equivalent quantities or unit cost to identify the best deal. Devices within the puzzle allow students to self monitor their work and correct errors. Students like to finish a puzzle, but they don’t always like the jokes they decode! Each puzzle also supports literacy. Students have to split the string of letters into recognisable words to answer the joke (answers included). The symbols on the tins are Mongolian numerals. Key words: best buy, value for money, proportion, equivalent quantities, estimte, unit cost, comparison, compare, ratio, joke, shopping, supermarket.

Expressions with the same base, can be manipulated using the Law of Indices. Change each expression into base of 3 or 5 before applying the laws of indices and decode the puzzle. I f you like this resource search for Index Laws 1 , 2 and 3. Key words: index, indices, notation, expression, index laws, base, bases, power, powers, raining a power to a power, multiply, divide, puzzle, joke, decode, worksheet, practice, math, maths joke, mathematics, (unlock, untangle, understand). Updated 28_09_16

Complete each maze in the most efficient way possible. Add the values of all the squares visited together, match the answer to the appropriate letter to work out the punchline to the joke. Ideal as a diagnostic tool to identify numeracy deficit. Key words: add, addition, revision activity, homework, diagnostic activity for number, total, fraction, mixed numbers, improper fractions, directed numbers, calculation maze, puzzle, joke, practice, math joke, maths jokes, mathematics, did you hear about the four blokes who stole a calendar, unlock untangle understand.