In this activity from the Nuffield Foundation, students match descriptions of a variety of real scenarios involving motion with the corresponding velocity–time and displacement–time graphs. Several issues will be discussed while completing this task and students will also have to consider how realistic or...

This problem solving resource uses linear functions to model real world data about car skid marks. The work assumes students are familiar with substitution and drawing straight line graphs.

The problem is set in the context of investigating car accidents. When a car suddenly brakes to a stop, it can leave...

This resource from the Nuffield Foundation provides the opportunity for students to fit functions to linear and quadratic graphs. It is assumed that students will already have some knowledge of linear and quadratic functions and their graphs, which are used to compare models and comment on their suitability. A...

This resource is part of a collection of Nuffield Maths resources that explore Algebra and Maths. The demand is roughly equivalent to that in Higher Level GCSE and Level 2 Functional Mathematics.

The resource asks students fit functions to graphs (linear and quadratic). They compare models and comment on...

This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians work with epidemiologists to understand the spread of infections and mitigate their effects. Epidemics can threaten the lives of both humans and animals, so it is essential that we react swiftly to any outbreaks. Mathematicians play a key role in...

This lesson develops the concept of modelling linear and exponential growth. In particular students will enhance their understanding of:

• Translating between descriptive, algebraic, tabular, and graphical representation of the functions.
• Recognizing how and why a quantity changes per unit...

This is a problem solving lesson, designed to help you assess how well students are able to:

• Interpret a situation and represent the variables mathematically.
• Select appropriate mathematical methods.
• Interpret and evaluate the data generated.

The problem is set in the...

This resource requires problem solving using skills in both applying geometrical concepts and modelling a situation using functions.

Students investigate rolling cups of different shapes and dimensions. They use ideas of similarity to link together the wider diameter with narrow diameter, slant length, and...

This is a problem solving lesson, designed to help you assess how well students are able to:

This lesson unit is intended to help you assess how well students are able to:

• Interpret a situation and represent the constraints and variables mathematically
• Select appropriate mathematical...

From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), this activity shows that it is not possible to be certain what the market will do next. The mathematical ideas covered are:
• Time series
• Percentage change
• Random walks
• Geometric...

From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), this activity shows that derivatives can help to manage risk. The market in derivatives has grown enormously in recent years. On average, speculators break even. The mathematical ideas covered are:
•...

This excel file looks at using the sine curve to model the water depth in a tidal river.

The first interactive sheet shows how the Earth’s orbit around the Sun can be modelled by the sine curve. One or two cycles can...

This problem solving resource is intended to help students compare two linear functions as approximations to the relationship between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature and consider under what circumstances each of the approximations may be reasonable.

The two methods given are

 ‘To convert from...

Consider the topic that you are next teaching in mathematics, use the charts to find something that children find confusing in this topic. Choose a model or image to support their learning in this area of mathematics. 

This set of charts, from the National Strategies, give examples of key models and images which can enhance the teaching of mental calculation strategies through Years One to Three. In addition, the materials offer a list of potential difficulties and examples to...