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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Mathematical Habits of Mind - Secondary Students

We learn better when we are curious, resourceful, resilient and collaborative.

Here are some collections of mathematical activities designed to help you develop these characteristics.
 

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow star

Being Curious - Secondary Students

Here are some problems that we hope will appeal to curious and inquisitive students. Take a look, we think you'll get hooked on them!

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow star

Being Resourceful - Secondary Students

Here are some problems that require careful consideration. Immerse yourself in them - we think they are worth the effort!

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow star

Being Collaborative - Secondary Students

Here are some problems that are ideal for working on with others. Find a friend, share ideas, and see if two heads really are better than one!

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow star

Being Resilient - Secondary Students

Here are some problems that require you to be resilient. We hope you'll stick with them and feel a sense of achievement at the end!

In this film (available here if you live outside the UK) the mathematician Andrew Wiles talks about his personal experience of seeking a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.  He describes what it is like to do mathematics, to be creative, to have difficulties, to make mistakes, to persevere, to make progress, to have a dream and love what you are doing so much that you are willing to devote yourself to it for a long time.  Of course, each mathematician's experience is different, and most mathematicians do not work alone for such prolonged periods without discussing their work with others, but much of Andrew Wiles' experience is shared amongst mathematicians, and reminds us of the rewards of perseverance in the face of difficulty.


Recommended Books
We have compiled a list of books for young people who are interested in mathematics.
 

Related Collections

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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