A mathematical investigation is quite different to other mathematical activities. The best investigations are open ended and allow students to choose the way they work and how they record their findings. It is one of the few occasions when 'going off on a tangent' is not only acceptable but actively encouraged (within reason).
Students may ask for 'the answers' but this supposes that the activity is
closed. Investigations can always be extended by varying the initial
instructions or asking the question 'what if...?'. Sometimes students point out
that the instructions are ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways.
This is fine and the students are encouraged to explain how they interpreted the
instructions in their report.
Some students may benefit from a writing frame when producing the reports
of their investigations. Teachers may suggest sections or headings such as
Introduction, Interpretation, Research, Working and Conclusion or something
similar.
Here are some other activities you may be interested in:
Featured ActivitySuko Sujiko Interactive number-based logic puzzles similar to those featuring in daily newspapers designed to develop numeracy skills. These puzzles are drag and drop and can earn you a Transum Trophy. |
SuggestedRemainder Race A game involving chance and choice requiring an ability to calculate the remainder when a two digit number is divided by a single digit number. |
Recently UpdatedCamp Bosrow Place the camping items into the plots on the camp site according to the clues given. So far this activity has been accessed 297 times and 38 people have earned a Transum Trophy for completing it. |
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