Introducing algebra

When Charlie asked his grandmother how old she is, he didn't get a straightforward reply! Can you work out how old she is?

Nearly all of us have made table patterns on hundred squares, that is 10 by 10 grids. This problem looks at the patterns on differently sized square grids.

Crosses can be drawn on number grids of various sizes. What do you notice when you add opposite ends?

Can you work out how many spheres will balance a single pyramid?

These eleven shapes each stand for a different number. Can you use the number sentences to work out what they are?

Max and Mandy put their number lines together to make a graph. How far had each of them moved along and up from 0 to get the counter to the place marked?

A resource to try once children are familiar with number lines, and they have begun to use them for addition. It could be a good way to talk about subtraction. Leah and Tom each have a number line. Can you work out where their counters will land?

Annie and Ben are playing a game with a calculator. What was Annie's secret number?

Write a Logo program, putting in variables, and see the effect when you change the variables.

Learn to write procedures and build them into Logo programs. Learn to use variables.