Multiplication and division - How many ways? - Starter

Within the context of a Year 3 mathematics curriculum, students are presented with a range of engaging activities designed to enhance their understanding of multiplication, division, and problem-solving skills. For instance, they are asked to calculate simple divisions such as 32 divided by 4 and to determine the result of dividing 144 by 4, reinforcing their grasp of basic arithmetic operations. Additionally, practical applications of mathematics are introduced through exercises such as determining the number of 10p coins that add up to 90p, where students are encouraged to draw pictures to validate their answers, thereby integrating visual learning with numerical reasoning.

Another aspect of the curriculum involves understanding ratios and proportions through real-life scenarios, such as comparing the ages of a father and son, where Antonio is five times as old as Martin. Students are asked to select the correct bar model that represents this relationship and explain their reasoning, promoting critical thinking. Moreover, the curriculum includes mapping skills where students write directions to navigate a map, further broadening their skill set. On another day, students explore combinatorics by listing all possible combinations of shape and number cards, which introduces them to the concept of permutations. They also apply measurement skills to determine the mass of objects using a balance scale, exemplifying the curriculum's focus on providing a well-rounded mathematical education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications.