A collection of 5 activities involving square numbers that I’ve accumulated over the years from various sources: a puzzle I saw on Twitter involving recognising square numbers. a harder puzzle using some larger square numbers and a bit of logic. a sequences problem that links to square numbers a mini investigation that could lead to some basic algebraic proof work a trick involving mentally calculating squares of large numbers, plus a proof of why it works Please review if you like it or even if you don’t!

The last of five complete lessons on linear sequences. Looks at patterns of squares or lines that each form a linear sequence. Adapted from a resource by another TES user called flibit (who has made some excellent resources). Printable worksheets included.

A brief look at some of the Maths that underpins cycling performance - how gear ratios, gradient, air resistance and power output effect speed. Requires, ideally, some familiarity with ratios, linear & cubic formulae and functions. Includes some worksheets (at end of presentation) for printing. Nicely timed for the Tour de France. Suggestions for improvement welcome as I wonder if the content is a bit dry!

A brief insight into how fractals are created as well as examples in Maths, art and nature. Includes a spreadsheet to investigate. Requires a basic understanding of complex numbers to fully appreciate.

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize). Questions on all aspects of parametric functions as seen in C4

A complete lesson on finding percentages of an amount using non-calculator methods. Looks at finding 50%, 25%, 75%, 10%, 5%, 20% and 1%. Activities included: Starter: A set of questions where pupils convert the percentages above into their simplified, fraction form. Main: Some examples and quick questions on finding percentages of an amount for pupils to try. A set of questions with a progression in difficulty, from finding simple percentages, to going in reverse and identifying the percentage. The ‘spider diagrams’ are my take on TES user alutwyche’s spiders. An extension task where pupils arrange digits (with some thought) in order to make statements true. Plenary: A nice visual flow chart to reinforce how the calculations required are connected. Printable worksheets and answers included. Please review if you use as any feedback is appreciated!

Classic quiz with questions on area, including parallelograms, triangles, trapezia and composite shapes made with rectangles. Answers on each slide by clicking on orange squares plus on last slide. Hope no-one minds my use of an image of Bob Holness - he will always be the face of Blockbusters to me!

Based on a few Nrich ideas, pupils use algebra to investigate a number of puzzling results.

A selection of puzzles, most using the digits 1 to 9 and an element of working systematically to obtain a solution. A few are from the the excellent Nrich website. Based around key skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing but that doesn't mean they're easy!

Based on the card game, pupils use their percentage and fibbing skills to win.

Pupils solve straight forward quadratic equations to reveal a pathetic joke.

A treasure hunt requiring knowledge of interior and exterior angles. Two sets of questions to dissuade pupils from just following each other! Mistakes on first version now fixed.

Starts as a dice substitution game but goes a lot deeper by considering the expressions as functions and the effect this has on potential strategies for playing the game. Only suitable for able GCSE students - requires a good grasp of quadratic functions. Nice way of revising and exploring the connection between expressions and functions.

A treasure hunt/follow me activity on circle theorems.

Pupils work out answers to questions on a mixture of SOHCAHTOA, sine rule, consine rule and Pythagoras’s theorem to reveal a fairly rubbish joke (although I quite like it).

Classic quiz with questions on linear equations, including unknowns on both sides, brackets and simple algebraic fractions. Answers on each slide by clicking on orange squares. Hope no-one minds my use of an image of Bob Holness - he will always be the face of Blockbusters to me!

A few activities on the theme of proving Pythagoras’ theorem, including a version of Perigal’s dissection I took from another TES user. The intention is to encourage discussion about what proof is, and to move pupils from nice-looking but hard to prove dissections to a proof they can make using relatively simple algebra (expanding and simplifying a double bracket). Please review if you use it, like it or even hate it!

Looks at switching between different bases and the effect of base on arithmetic and divisibility tests.Plus an excel 'base switch&' calculator. A good enrichment task with a historical/real-life aspect, though probably best for more able pupils.

My take on Daniel Burke's excellent idea of odd-one-out set to a song featuring Cookie Monster. The box at the bottom of the puzzles should show the video but Powerpoint and the TES website don't like this link, so I&'ve given the website address to download the video, which you can then insert into the powerpoint. Menus are clickable (clicking on the top heading will take you back to the previous menu). Correct answer flashes after 50 seconds (this coincides with the video)

A very simple but motivating game where pupils race to complete a grid of times tables. Separate instructions attached. Also a spreadsheet which reveals answers and can be used to keep track of pupil progress (I maintain records of pupils' personal bests on there). A good task for settling a class that requires minimal preparation.