Explain these icons
Resources created by James Robinson
James Robinson, while at St Martin’s College in Lancaster, created these useful and interesting files.
Jackdaw, aka James Robinson: “everyone can do mathematics, we learn best by engaging with tasks, it is important to sometimes not find the answer”.
Both ATM and James Robinson would love your feedback and any ideas for improvement or extension of these resources.
None of these files require ‘installation’ they are simply files that will work within your existing spreadsheet or Powerpoint application.
Email James Robinson with feedback
Hex
A new bit of software that is a spreadsheet version of “Hex” invented by John Nash, of "a beautiful mind" fame.
Bit like Blockbuster, but without the questions. Elegantly simple and would work great on an interactive whiteboard with teams arguing with each other! As with most spreadsheet software, it may generate a warning about macros and suggest you shouldn’t run this file - it is safe to do so however. The macros are the programming bits - they are not hidden malicious code.
Great Number Game
Based on the One to Fifty game invented by Chris Allen of Dowdales School. This a new ‘re-engineered’ version.
It may generate a warning about macros and suggest you shouldn’t run this file - it is safe to do so however. The macros are the programming bits - they are not hidden malicious code.
This game has been used with years 7 through 11 and works every time. For lower attaining groups less random numbers could be used, or calculators could be provided for individuals. It meets the important ATM criterion of being sufficiently flexible for a mutlitude of uses and a very wide range of ability and ages.
Teachers notes are included in the zip file.
This is an Excel file which requires macros to be allowed. The file has been tested and found to be free of malicious code. It is always advisable, however, to allow your own system to verify the integrity of the file before running it.
SlideShapes
A very well crafted Powerpoint file starting with a square and exploring a whole range of dissections and transformations.
There are two versions - one with sound and one without.
There are also notes and guide questions to help get the most out of this resource.
Read about this in Mathematics Teaching
Encipher
Inspired by the work of Simon Singh this simple but powerful Excel file is well thought out.
“I used a unit on codes and ciphers (written before a lecture by Simon Singh...sigh...and wrote this spreadsheet to help me design handouts. It enciphers any message text you pump into it, and can even create random mono-alphabetic or Caesar shift ciphers!”
Copyright
Copyright © 2004-2006 - James Robinson - These resources are intended for free use in educational contexts. They may not be made available in any form in any other medium without the express permission of the author James Robinson. This note must accompany any copies passed to other people.
Virus-Checked
Please Note: these files has been virus-checked by Norton Anti-Virus and were certified virus-free. However, we would advise you still check it with your own virus-checker before opening it within Excel.
