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20 October 2014
Schools Digger and the Gang!

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Lesson Plan Maths
To solve word problems involving quantities based on different units of measure; to solve a problem by representing and interpreting data in graphs; to make conversions of pounds to foreign currency; to calculate the area of 2D shapes; to find the mean, median, mode and range of a set of data; to identify, estimate and measure angles; to calculate simple probabilities.
National Curriculum
KS2 Mathematics, Number / Shape, space and measures, levels 3 - 5.
National Numeracy Strategy: Numbers & Number System, Calculations, Measures.
Copies of worksheets Magic squares, Number puzzles, Probability.
Scissors, coloured pencils / pens; rulers with scales in both centimeters and inches.
Give pupils this data: Five acrobats perform tricks on a trapeze. Acrobat A manages 2 mid-air somersaults, Acrobat B manages 5 somersaults, Acrobat C manages 2 somersaults, Acrobat D manages 3 somersaults and Acrobat E manages 1 somersault.
Ask pupils to calculate the mean, median, mode and range of the data set.
Group Work
Climbing Down
Pupils solve the online problems about combining amounts in kilograms and the measurement of area. Pupils complete the worksheet, Magic squares.
Pupils could go on to devise number squares of their own, using those on the worksheet as a model.

Trapeze Tricks
Pupils calculate the mean of a set of data given in the story and estimate an angle to retrieve Digger’s sunglasses.
Pupils draw up tables containing invented data for 5 attempts Sprat has made at the high jump.
Can a partner calculate the mean, median and mode of the table?

Quad Biking
Pupils use line graphs to convert currencies and read off quad bike speeds in metres per second. Pupils then complete the worksheet, Number puzzles.
Individual Work
Ask pupils to select events from the online adventure that can be described in terms of simple probability (certain, likely, unlikely, impossible). Pupils who finish this can complete the worksheet, Probability.
In the adventure, Sprat longest jump was 142 cm. Can pupils convert this distance into inches? They could compare the scales of metric and imperial rulers to do this.
Ask pupils to make a note of any 'try this at home' activities from the website adventures. Pupils either:
Make a new layout plan of their bedrooms. Measure the length and breadth of the room and sizes of pieces of furniture. Draw a simple plan to show what re-arrangements are possible.
Do some market research and find out what your friends like best. Start by asking them their favourite flavour of crisps. Make a list of the results. What's the most popular? Try asking other questions, what are people's favourite TV programmes or pop groups?
