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A mathematical investigation is quite different to other mathematical activities. The best investigations are open ended and allow students to choose the way they work and how they record their findings. It is one of the few occasions when 'going off on a tangent' is not only acceptable but actively encouraged (within reason).
Students may ask for 'the answers' but this supposes that the activity is
closed. Investigations can always be extended by varying the initial
instructions or asking the question 'what if...?'. Sometimes students point out
that the instructions are ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways.
This is fine and the students are encouraged to explain how they interpreted the
instructions in their report.
Some students may benefit from a writing frame when producing the reports
of their investigations. Teachers may suggest sections or headings such as
Introduction, Interpretation, Research, Working and Conclusion or something
similar.
Here are some other activities you may be interested in:
Featured ActivityLemon Law A fascinating digit changing challenge. Change the numbers on the apples so that the number on the lemon is the given total. Can you figure out, by understanding place value, how this works? |
SuggestedRemainder Race A game involving chance and choice requiring an ability to calculate the remainder when a two digit number is divided by a single digit number. |
Recently UpdatedPrime Prevention Players take turns placing numbers from 1-9 on the grid. Avoid making three-digit prime numbers in any direction! So far this activity has been accessed 319 times and 3 Transum Trophies have been awarded for completing it. |
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