Mathematics teaching materials

Be a Paper Engineer
Numeracy Through Problem Solving

Written by Malcolm Swan, Barbara Binns and John Gillespie with Hugh Burkhardt and the Shell Centre Team. Published by Shell Centre & Longman 1987 - 1989.

"Schools' Pack" (not in a box) contains - a Teachers' Guide, 10 Students' Booklets, Photocopying masters.
Price in UK pounds: £25.

Numeracy Through Problem Solving is a sequence of five modules which develop students' ability to use mathematics together with other skills, in tackling problems of concern or situations of interest in everyday life - the original definition of numeracy, which was reinforced by the Cockcroft Report.

In Be a Paper Engineer, students design make and evaluate 3-dimensional paper products including gift boxes and pop-up greetings cards. They explore 3-dimensional shape-and-space, making generalisations using words and algebra.

• In groups, students make a wide variety of pop-up cards, gift boxes and envelopes in order to familiarise themselves with the techniques involved.
• Students investigate a few techniques. These include a 2-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional product, explaining design features, making a 3-dimensional product etc.
• Groups pool ideas for paper products and then, individually, students attempt to design and make an accurate version of one of the products.
• Students now attempt to produce `kits' of their designs so that other people can make the products.

The five modules have all been designed for pupils of all abilities to complement the GCSE Mathematics curriculum for 16 year olds in England and Wales. Each module is designed to take between 10 and 20 hours to complete. Each provides a theme within which the students take responsibility for planning, organising or designing. They are based around the everyday interests of most students. Students work both individually and in groups and are able to choose which areas of mathematics to deploy. They also implement the results of their own decisions - a vital educational experience!

Students' Booklets (5 copies).
Price in UK pounds: £10.

Here are sample pages.