Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

16 piece jigsaw that makes a great ice breaker. First used with older learners who were unused to metric measures, and a younger learner who was unused to imperial. Match metric measure descriptions or quantities with their imperial equivalents to solve the puzzle and complete the triangle. Although converting between systems is only covered at level 2 of the curriculum the creator, Andrea, reports that E3/L1 students cope with this very well, as their life experiences help them.

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

Interesting background information on the history of metric unit followed by real-life problems to solve.

Lots of money problems to solve including cost of flowers, Mr Extravaganza’s fancy meal out and much more!

Water content of fruits & vegetables provides interesting practice with percentages, rounding decimals and calculator use.

The New Argos catalogue involves spending a £500 inheritance and comparing the prices in two different Argos catalogues. Covers addition and subtraction (money) and percentage increase/decrease.

Pancakes is a series of challenging questions for Shrove Tuesday. The main topic is ratio and proportion but metric measures, money and time are also covered.

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.

An interesting way to improve pie chart skills – whether the chart is calculated and drawn ‘by hand’ or in a spreadsheet. With answer sheet and extension ideas.

Excellent practice with many Level 2 elements including fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, converting measures, and using formulae.