This is a project based on Benford's law. I had this idea after watching the Numberphile series on YouTube. This is a project based activity that involves many skills including working with large numbers, using percentages, representing data and probability.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
FM Complex multi-step problem(s)
FM L1.1 Read, write, order & compare large numbers (up to one million)
FM L1.14 Calculate percentages of quantities, inc. simple percentage increase / decrease by 5% & multiples of
FM L1.15 Estimate answers to calculations using fractions and decimals
FM L1.27 Represent discrete data in tables, diagrams & charts inc. pie charts, bar charts, line graphs
FM L1.28 Group discrete data & represent grouped data graphically
FM L1.30 Understand probabilities on a scale from 0 to 1; use to compare the likelihood of events
FM L1.31 Use equally likely outcomes to find probabilities of simple events & express as fractions
A challenging set of L1-2 maths questions that celebrate 50 years since the first Moon landing. Covers new reformed content such as compound measures and 3 figure bearings. Plus an introductory PPT with background information and pop up answers.
Editor's note
Fully mapped to the new reformed Functional Maths content. The answer sheet, which includes detailed working out and marking guidance, is only available to site contributors. Please see details within the resource.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
FM Straightforward problem(s) with more than 1 step
FM Complex multi-step problem(s)
FM L1.1 Read, write, order & compare large numbers (up to one million)
FM L2.2 Carry out calculations with numbers up to 1 million inc. strategies to check answers e.g. estimation & approximation
FM E3.14 Use & compare measures of length, capacity, weight & temperature using metric or imperial units to the nearest labelled or unlabelled division
FM L1.20 Convert between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time, in the same system
FM L1.26 Use angles when describing position & direction, & measure angles in degrees
FM L2.15 Calculate using compound measures inc. speed, density & rates of pay
FM L1.29 Find the mean & range of a set of quantities
Whilst I designed this resource for Adult Numeracy learners, it has found much use over the years across the maths cohorts I've worked with from pre-GCSE to ESOL, and with GCSE learners.
It is in Excel format - 3 tabs for different activities and the second Excel file is the solution sheet.
The sheets are formatted to print off as A4 landscape to allow learners to have their own copies to work on.
This has always worked well as a starter activity with learners in small groups (or teams) and having a competitive edge.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
Maths
FM Context free underpinning
FM E3.14 Use & compare measures of length, capacity, weight & temperature using metric or imperial units to the nearest labelled or unlabelled division
FM L1.20 Convert between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time, in the same system
FM L2.14 Convert between metric & imperial units of length, weight & capacity using a) a conversion factor & b) a conversion graph
Level 2 Time revision. A PPT that takes E3-L2 learners step by step through an Edexcel L2 2017 exam question about a diving competition.
The exam question is broken down into three separate tasks, each with extra extension questions.
In addition each task has a suggested time limit which encourages learners to manage their own time in exams. Can also be printed as a worksheet: select slides 4-9 and print 1 slide per page in landscape, fit-to-page mode.
Editor's note
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
FM Complex multi-step problem(s)
FM E3.12 Read, measure & record time using am & pm
FM L1.20 Convert between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time, in the same system
AN MSS1/E3.3
AN MSS1/L1.3 Calculate with and convert between units of time
Straightforward probability questions for L2 Functional Maths (dice, playing cards, socks, pens, etc.). Includes useful practice with simplifying fractions.
Plus an interesting extension question.
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
Maths
FM L2.27 Express probabilities as fractions, decimals & percentages
This is a set of worksheets in a MS Excel workbook that deals with fractions.
- Sheet one: a set of pictures (pie charts) that shows fractions from halves to tenths
- Sheet two: equivalent fractions with two pie charts, learners can input fractions and see if they are equivalent by looking at the shape of the pie charts
- Sheet three: starting to look at fractions being equivalent to decimals with two pie charts one for fractions and one for decimals
Level
GCSE L1-5
Level 2
Level 1
Maths
N2/L2.3
N2/L2.1
Adult Numeracy N2/L2.2
Adult Numeracy N2/L1.3
GCSE N10 (Work interchangeably with terminating decimals & their corresponding fractions)
Some real world scenarios given a twist to incorporate fractions, decimals, percentages & ratios.
By the end of the worksheet, students will have a better understanding of when they would use each format in the real world and have developed their critical analysis skills.