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Wyrallah Road Public School

Wyrallah Road Public School

Opportunity Care Quality Success

Telephone02 6621 3363

Emailwyrallahrd-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Maths Day

Maths day is an opportunity for students to develop their mathematical talents and thinking skills in a setting where maths is regarded as fun and worthwhile. It is an ideal way for students to participate in mathematical activities without the usual classroom pressures and is a very effective way of getting students of all ages to work together and get excited about maths! Yesterday, students were put into groups and rotated through the following five activities that involved using science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) skills.

 

Activity 1 - Paper Chain Challenge:  

Students worked in small groups to problem solve and develop strategies  to make the longest chain with only one piece of paper and sticky tape. The students then used metre long rulers to measure their chain and order the lengths from shortest to longest.  

Activity 2 -  Paper Column

Students designed a paper column to hold the highest number of books. They worked in small groups of 3-4 and were given only paper and sticky tape to construct their design. Throughout the process, they tested their design and could choose to begin again. At the end of the activity, the strongest column won a prize. This activity developed students understanding of 3D Shapes and the angles needed to reinforce strength.

Activity 3 -  Parachute

Students worked in small groups to construct a parachute that would stay in the air the longest. Students used a variety of materials to build their parachute. Throughout the process, they tested their designs using a stop watch and could choose to change their design throughout the process. At the end of the activity each design was tested using a stop watch to find the best design. This activity developed time skills, recording time to the minute, second and even millisecond, as they then ordered the times from shortest to longest.   

Activity 4 - Tallest Tower

Students were given 24 plastic cups and asked to design the tallest tower. They used rulers to measure their tower and could change their design throughout the process. At the end of the session, the towers were measured and the winning team was identified.

Activity 5 -  Shape Robots

In this activity, students were given a certain number of shapes and asked to design a robot using only those shapes. Younger students were given physical shapes to trace around and construct a robot, whereas older students were given more complex 2D Shapes and encouraged to draw freehand.

ParachuteCup TowerShape RobotsPaper Chain