MT218i Jul 10 • Contents

Surely, Grid algebra is to early algebra what the iPad is to the latest must have in terms of innovation and cutting edge thinking. Watch, with awe and wonder, as Dave Hewitt uses this unique piece of software with a group of year 5 pupils, and...quite simply...be amazed!

Maths Busking

From handcuffs, to reversible waistcoats, to a handy pentagon – it’s all here in action. Would you have ‘the bottle’ to give it a try in your classroom?

Juggling - theory and practice

Juggling will never be the same again. Colin Wright is a ‘class act’ in every sense. Experience the notation of juggling and even get to ‘write it down’. How do you react to the concept of a juggling ball going back in time. If you only have the time to watch one clip in this issue of MTi, then make it Juggling Part1.

Looking Forward: Maths from stories

In these two video clips Cherri Moseley shares her enthusiasm for an unusual approach to developing mathematics in her classroom.

Root 2 and irrational numbers

Have you ever struggled to explain the idea of an irrational number to your students? Leo Rogers seeks inspiration in the past, and makes things look ‘easy’. Show this clip to your students and watch the ‘lights go on’.

Children overheard: mathematical resilience

A powerful way to organise learning in the mathematics classroom. Can such an approach become the ‘norm’ as a result of challenging some old orthodoxies?

Geared Up: Exploring Families of Curves with Autograph

Geared Up: Exploring Curves with Autograph

Robert Ward-Penny and Douglas Butler describe using the software package Autograph with a group of mathematics PGCE students at the University of Warwick.

Spiral patterns

John Ingram shares some of his creative ideas on investigating spiral patterns. Much of what John offers here has been created with ‘freeware’, and he demonstrates the potential for generating images that will both interest and motivate learners in the mathematics classroom.

Symmetry in three dimensions: part 1

The more I explore geometry, the more I become convinced that symmetry is crucial - and the more surprised I am, some 25 years or so into teaching, that I still have a lot to learn.

The Molly books

A new primary e-book, by Tom O’Brien, is to be launched shortly. It will be featured with classroom video clips and a review in the next MTi - January 2011. Here we offer a ‘taster’ as to what will be included.

Ogdens...found in a classroom in Penrith

Caleb Gattengo was first to use the term ‘Ogdens’. Here, Geoff Faux shares a video clip as a useful exemplar of how Ogdens can support the learning of number. Just read the notes, Geoff provides, before watching the video clip, and try to keep up with the dynamic conversations generated by the learners.

A fresh look at iProbes

Often the children were far ahead of adults in the speed and complexity of their conclusions and rarely, if ever, did they ask a weak or a wasted question.

Maths from archaeology

This is a must if you have never heard of the ‘neolithic yard’. Lucy Sayce explains how a length of rope, a stone circle, and a group of children can develop their own mathematics.

Brilliant starters - tried and tested

Lynne McClure and Pete Griffin share their brilliant starters with other teachers and show how they can lead to some very rewarding mathematical talk and discovery.

Maths outside

Steve Humble talks about the value of mathematics trails.

Maths and dance

Watch as the ideas become reality. Experience Mike Askew working with a group of teachers/educators to show what his ideas might look like in the classroom/workspace. Dance can be a context for topics from pattern spotting to notation, and the soundtrack is well worth a listen. You won’t need an i-Pod to make this happen, but you might have to let yourself go...