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Alien invasion |
Locate spaceships using clues to estimate and calculate distances and directions. Interpret graphs and maps to plan an escape; crack a code to escape from a cell. General problem solving. |
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Crash test |
Control variables systematically (e.g. speeds, design of cars, barrier types). Make hypotheses and test them by observing the effects in crash test experiments. Present findings to the class. |
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DigiDesign |
Design a toy character for a 60 by 80 pixel display. Scale proportionately for different types of display. Conduct market research into the design. |
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Explorers |
Plan a route in space, bearing in mind fuel, food reserves and distance. Trade between planets using fantasy units of currency. Use algebraic functions to decide where explosive charges should be placed to destroy asteroids. |
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Highway link design |
Propose the location of a by-pass, using data tables and graphs from the Highways Agency. Find ways to satisfy constraints (minimum radii of curvature, verge clearance, cambers etc). Cost and present proposed solutions. |
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How risky is life? |
Compare perceptions of the causes of death with the actual statistics. Interpret very large and very small probabilities. Decide what these say about behaviour and attitudes. Explore random variation. |
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In or out? |
Use photographic and slow motion evidence to decide qualitatively, then quantitatively, whether a batsman (in cricket) is ‘in' or ‘out'. Select variables, make estimates of distances, times and speeds and use algebraic models. |
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Keeping the pizza hot |
Choose packaging for a pizza. Measure temperatures as the pizza cools. Use data logging software. Fit a graphical model to the cooling of a pizza. Calculate the longest reasonable travel time before a pizza becomes too cold to eat. |
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Mega Bank |
Examine a crime scene and collect evidence. Use proportional reasoning and other data to solve a crime. Prepare a case and present it convincingly. |
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My music |
Describe the characteristics of individual genres of music. Use the tempo of music and other variables to illustrate compound measures, eg beats per minute. |
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Mystery tours |
Plan a 5-day trip to satisfy money/time constraints and to keep happy three sets of tourists with different requirements. Convert currencies, satisfy baggage allowances etc. |
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Outbreak |
Use coordinate clues to locate infected people. Mix ingredients in proportions to create an antidote. Use resources optimally to design a vaccination programme. |
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PointZero |
Solve number, spatial and logic puzzles to progress in an escape adventure game. Use number sequences to escape from a building. Use rotation and reflection to recreate a given pattern. Use codes and loci to escape from underground tunnels. |
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Product wars |
Design a questionnaire and conducting market research for a new drink. Mix ingredients to obtain nutritional value and taste; design packaging for the drink. |
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Reducing road accidents |
Explore a town's accident database. Control variables to decide on the most effective allocation of a given sum of money to provide safety measures. Prepare a case and present it convincingly. |
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Save a baby kangaroo |
Determine the age and species of a 'Joey' from tail and foot measurements and graphs of growth data. Devise an appropriate nutrition regime from tables of nutrient data. Present and justify this regime. |
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Speed cameras |
Explore perceptions of randomness and relate this to the perceived effectiveness of speed cameras. Simulate the effects of different sitings. |
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Sundials |
Design, examining the maths, and then construct a sundial, using symmetry, angles, nets, origami, graphs and charts. |
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Velletri Scrolls |
Solve number, spatial and logic puzzles in an adventure game. Interpret maps (bearings and scales), crack a code, make plans with timetables and graphs (climate). Interpret algebraic representations. |
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Water availability |
Analyse a complex decision faced by a water aid agency; Devise and use a compound measure (eg per capita) to decide on a 'fair' distribution of resources. |
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You reckon? |
Break a problem into its component parts; combine everyday knowledge to create chains of reasoning that result in reasonable estimates of useful quantities. |
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