stemNRICH FAQs

Quick answers to commonly asked questions about stemNRICH  

What is it? A series of mathematical science problems designed around the applications of mathematics to science, technology and engineering.
 
What's it like? The activities in stemNRICH are mathematically rich and fascinating. The focus is invariably on the mathematical process, rather than the computation of a specific answer. Questions might be very open ended, encourage reflection or discussion or might not even involve any numbers or formal procedures at all!  

Who is it for? Maths or science students aged 14-19 with an interest in science, technology or engineering at university for self-directed study; Maths or science teachers for use in lessons.

Why was it created? To help to tackle a general skills gap in the mathematical experience required to succeed in the quantitative parts of science courses at A-level and university. To be able most successfully to harness the power of mathematics to drive forward the science requires a good understanding and feel for the mathematical ideas involved: this requires more engagement with mathematics than simply rote-learning procedures, and this is where stemNRICH has its place in the learning of the applications of mathematics.

How much does it cost? It is freely available to all online. You don't even have to register!

Why is stemNRICH free? NRICH is a part of the Millennium Mathematics Project which receives funding from various sources to support maths education and promote the development of mathematical skills and understanding, particularly through enrichment activities. The development of the stemNRICH part of the NRICH site was mainly funded by the Cambridge University Transkills Project with additional support from the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University. We are very grateful to our funders who have enabled the development of this important resource.

How should I use it? The materials can be used to complement and enrich traditional bookwork and practice. Trying even a few problems every so often can be enough to boost levels of mathematical understanding, and don't worry about trying to 'complete' problems the first time you try them: many good problems are worth returning to.

What level of students is it aimed at? Most of the problems are very 'open' which means that they can be used productively by a wide range of students aged 14 to 19 at a range of mathematical levels: there is no set stage of the curriculum at which they should be used. The only requirement is an interest in the beauty of science, along with a willingness to think!

What will students gain from using stemNRICH? By thoughtfully engaging with these carefully designed, rich applied mathematical tasks science students will:

1. Gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the way that mathematics interconnects with biology, physics, chemistry or engineering.
2. Develop an understanding of applied mathematics deeper than merely technical manipulation.
3. Refine their multi-step problem solving skills.
4. Build mathematical confidence and interest.
5. Get more from the study of the sciences.

How have the problems been made? With input from teachers at school and university, NRICH first split the mathematical needs of scientists into several different categories, and within these provided a series of problems of increasing difficulty to challenge and engage. The problems have been carefully designed to provide maximum interaction with the underlying mathematics whilst keeping within contexts relevant to scientists.

Are the problems all very difficult? No. Whilst many problems might initially look unusual, they are often largely concrete in nature and should be accessible to all learners capable in principle of undertaking a science or engineering degree. However, they are not designed for passive learning: you will need to think about them, and this thinking can be taken to deep levels.

What are the next stages in the development of stemNRICH? We are keen to get input from teachers, researchers and students to make stemNRICH a really informative, interesting and useful place for all prospective scientists. If you are interesting in contributing in any way, please email the site developer Steve Hewson.

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