Maths Week Scotland At Our Local College

As part of our participation in Maths Weeks Scotland, Primary 5 – 7 from Leswalt, Kirkcolm and Portpatrick were fortunate in being invited to attend the Stranraer Campus of the Dumfries and Galloway College to engage in DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) careers taster sessions linked to how maths is used in the world of work.

We took advantage of their wonderful STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) room to undertake a wide range of STEM challenges. Using K’Nex kits, one group constructed a model of a renewable energy sourcing windmill whilst another followed a schematic to construct a wind powered vehicle. A third group applied physics and balance to build structures using Keva Brain Kits whilst a fourth group constructed 3D shape models using a straw connection kit.

Working collaboratively, the children had the opportunity to build the following skills which are all vital for the world of work:

Throughout our STEM challenges, the boys and girls applied their Higher Order Thinking Skills. They recorded the competencies they felt they were making use of on a dry-wipe board to promote discussion and awareness.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Childcare department. Here, lecturers, Susan and Lyndsey, and the students introduced our group to the ways in which maths is used in this sector. The pupils had the opportunity to mix up a bottle of baby milk formula (with cold water for safety). The children had to measure accurate quantities of water to milk powder. Discussion was had on the ratios required if we wanted to make a smaller or large quantity e.g.

If we add 4 scoops to 120ml of boiled water, how many scoops would we add to 30ml of water? 120/4 = 30, thus one scoop per 30ml of water.

In addition, the children used and applied a range of maths skills younger children would develop through play i.e.:

Snakes and ladders for random outcomes and counting
Twister for coordination and direction e.g. left/right/colour matching
Bingo for number recognition
Connect 4 for problem solving and strategizing.
Logical thinking to solve puzzles and jigsaws

The children then had the opportunity to follow a recipe to make playdough for younger children to play with. They had to measure out flour, water, oil and salt in the right quantities to create an effective and pliable mix.

Our last adventure of the day was ‘mocktail’ making and healthy snack preparation. We headed into the very well-equipped training kitchen and set to work learning how to mix together our drinks by measuring out quantities of different fruit juices. There was discussion on the brownie cake recipe displayed in the kitchen as to the weights and measured used to produce these delicious treat. There was also an opportunity to chop up some tasty fruit as an accompaniment using fractions of quantities.

The staff and students were just fabulous with our children, giving them their undivided care and attention with ready smiles. Our very grateful thanks go to all at the college and, in particular, to Fiona Heron, Stranraer Campus Manager, for making this happen.

We successfully applied for funding from the Edinburgh Mathematical Society to pay for transportation costs for all three schools from our trio to attend this great event. Thank you also to this organisation for making today’s learning experience possible.