Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

Smarties Challenge makes a great general revision activity for L1 – L2. Covers averages, representing data, pi, fractions, percentages and more. With extension tasks.

Measures portfolio / workbook is a semi-structured set of investigations that would be ideal as an end of topic (common measures) informal assessment for L1-2 students. Covers length, weight, capacity, money, time, area and shapes.
The investigative approach also makes this ideal for underpinning L1 and L2 Functional Maths

A great set of activities and questions. The first is based on a children’s design project and is aimed at L1 (with L2 extension activities). Plus two other practical L2 investigations ideal for horticulture (planting bulbs in flower beds) and construction (building a pathway with slabs). Estimating and working out exact costs are also covered.

Investigate the possibility of a college stocking fairly traded products in its canteen. Covers many reading, writing, ICT, numeracy, speaking and listening skills inc. data handling, report writing, creating charts and questionnaires, giving a presentation, etc. Ideal for embedding all three functional skills (or literacy, numeracy and ICT) especially for business students.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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

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.