Properties of Shape - Angles in a Triangle (1) - Starter

In a stimulating mathematics session for Year 6 students during the Summer Term, the focus is on understanding angles within a triangle. The session kicks off with a 'Fluent in Four' revision segment, which includes a variety of quick-fire arithmetic problems to warm up the students' mathematical thinking. This is followed by a challenging task that invites the pupils to calculate the size of missing angles in a triangle. They are encouraged to explore different methods to find these angles, fostering a deeper comprehension of geometric principles and the properties of shapes. This investigative approach not only reinforces their knowledge of angles but also nurtures critical thinking skills as they consider multiple strategies for solving the problem.

The lesson continues with practical real-life applications of mathematics. Students are presented with a problem involving a cook who has 48 kg of potatoes and uses a portion of them. Using a bar model, students must figure out the weight of the potatoes remaining, thereby practising their skills in fractions and subtraction within a contextual setting. Furthermore, the lesson includes a task on volume, where students are asked to calculate the total volume of a solid made up of cubes, each with a volume of 2 cm³. This exercise helps students to consolidate their understanding of volume and the concept of cubic units, enhancing their spatial awareness and ability to visualise three-dimensional objects.