Investigation or project

A worksheet, outline or task sheet that involves independent research

A fabulous 19 page booklet providing comprehensive coverage of measuring length at Entry 2 (and above). Cleverly links in with all the Entry 2 data handling elements by asking learners to record data in tables and bar charts. Includes using non-standard units, estimating and measuring height, using bar charts and tables and interpreting the results, measuring lines, investigations, frog jumping and paper aeroplane races; plus student progress tracker.

Level
Entry Level 2
Maths
HD1/E2.3
HD1/E2.4
HD1/E2.5
HD1/E2.1
HD1/E2.2
MSS1/E2.5

A wonderful seasonal L1-2 investigation (2 options – one for L1, one for L2) that covers ratios, formulae (oven temperatures, cake tins), converting measures, money and more.

Also includes a useful information sheet on autumn festivals from different cultures and faiths – ideal for prompting further discussion re. equality and diversity.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Maths
MSS1/L2.6
AN N2/L1.5 Calculate with decimals up to 2dp
MSS1/L2.9
AN N1/L2.4
AN MSS1/L1.1 Add, subtract, multiply & divide sums of money and record
MSS1/E3.2
AN N1/L1.7
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

A twist of the ever-popular Argos activity. Generous Uncle Arthur has given you £1000! This version is ideal for Entry 3 as involves only estimating, addition and subtraction of money. The comparing prices and investigative aspect also make it ideal for Functional Maths (E2).

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Functional Maths
AN MSS1/E3.1 Add & subtract money using decimal notation

Costing-up a nursery is ideal for L2 childcare students studying L1 Functional Maths – originally written for AoN (Key Skills). Clear step by step directions on what to do – research, calculate, find averages, create a scale diagram, etc.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Data Handling
Common Measures
Whole Numbers
Context
Health, Social care, Early years

A great project that covers many L1/2 numeracy elements. You win the lottery, buy a nursery and have to furnish it from catalogues and/or Internet sites.
Learn about budgeting, displaying data, working with areas and floor plans, bank statements, rounding, estimating, and much more. Everything must be written up as a comprehensive report with a clear conclusion (a great guidance page on report writing is included in the resource).

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
General literacy / English
Maths
Functional Maths
General numeracy / maths
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Health, Social care, Early years

An interesting article, quiz, research and writing task for Level 2 Beauty Therapy / Care students or any Literacy students interested in this topic (originally written for a group of teenagers).

Level
Level 2
English
Adult literacy: reading comprehension (Rt)
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
Context
Hairdressing & Beauty therapy

An L1-2 investigation that covers direct proportion (best buy), and rounding / calculating with money /decimals. Two options are included: students can either research Easter egg and chocolate prices on internet shopping sites or use those given. In both cases they must investigate the cost per 100g chocolate and work out the best buy. Final extension work includes consideration of ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘two for £…’ offers.

Editor’s note. New update for 2016 – based on supermarket prices in February 2016

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Maths
AN N2/L1.7
AN N2/L1.6
AN N2/L1.5 Calculate with decimals up to 2dp
AN MSS1/L1.1 Add, subtract, multiply & divide sums of money and record
AN N1/L2.3
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system
Functional Maths - measures, shape & space
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service

Involves ‘budgeting’ and research for buying a new car and a luxury holiday (2 separate worksheets) from a £100 000 lottery win. Covers addition (money) and large numbers.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Maths
AN MSS1/E3.1 Add & subtract money using decimal notation
AN MSS1/L1.1 Add, subtract, multiply & divide sums of money and record
AN N1/L1.1 Place value to millions. < and > symbols
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Motor vehicles & Transport

Covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2.

Sadly the original background history (on which the comprehension is based) is no longer available on the Swizzels Matlow or Love Heart sites. However related information can be found at the following sites which can make a good introduction to the assignment.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: writing - punctuation & grammar (Ws)
Adult Lit Ws/E2.2 Use Adjectives
Rw/E3.4
Rw/E2.4
Rt/L2.7 Use different reading strategies to find and obtain information, e.g. skimming, scanning, detailed reading
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
Rt/L2.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
Rt/L1.5
Rt/L1.4
Rt/L1.3
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service
History, culture, museums, libraries

A fascinating investigation that shows students how to calculate a body mass index and asks them to investigate the BMI of their choice of celebrities and present the results graphically. Covers formulae, decimals, calculators, converting measures, representing data, averages and range.

Level
Level 2
Maths
HD1/L2.3
HD1/L2.4
HD1/L2.2
MSS1/L2.6
N2/L2.6
N2/L2.10
AN N1/L2.4
Context
Health, Social care, Early years