Using technology in Maths Investigations

Recently, I delved into the archives to find some of the classic maths investigations which have been done many times around the world. I decided to revisit the 5 multilink cube problem, known by some as Pentominoes or Zids and Zods by others. Either way, children need to make as many different shapes as possible using the 5 cubes.
Previously, children haven't recorded their findings, have drawn them on squared paper or  my TA has taken photographs. This time, I used the app Pic Collage for the children to record and photograph this themselves. The beauty of using this app was that the children could rotate pictures on the app or physically move the shape and photograph it and compare them with their previous shapes. This was great for getting rid of duplicate shapes and also supported children visualising a rotated shape ( a classic KS2 SAT question)

Whilst this worked well for this investigation, I feel there is a lot more potential to record all the work and thinking that goes into a maths investigation. Having the 'whole picture' would really support AT1 assessment. For more problem solving resources try:


nrich.maths.org


inquirymaths.co.uk






























Possible Next Steps:

1. Export the Pic Collage to Thinglink app and add video of the children working or presenting their findings. Children could also add further pictures of any tables or graphs they have produced.
2. Export the Pic Collage to Explain Everything, children could then annotate around the picture, record a soundtrack taking somebody through their method of investigation. Graphs and tables could then be produced using the Explain Everything app.