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What Was in the Box?
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level 
Why do this problem?
Of course this problem is rather like a function machine, but it can be more interesting and is easily extended to challenge a wide range of pupils. It could be used to introduce children to the idea of addition and subtraction, and offers great opportunities for learners to record in different ways.
Possible approach
Introduce the class to just one number going in and give them one outcome to start with so that they understand the process. Then, gradually increase the number of numbers going in until you reach four, as in the problem. Your own examples can be adjusted in complexity according to the level of your pupils.
Once learners have had some time to work on the first part of the problem in pairs, ask them to share their ways of working with the whole group. Look out for those who give good reasons for choosing particular methods.
You may also like to draw attention to different methods of recording that you observe. Some children may have drawn pictures whereas others may have created calculations.
Key questions
What might have gone on in the box to get this number answer?
Could that have produced the other answers too?
Possible extension
Pupils who have gone onto multiplication and division and may be moved onto further thinking by going to What's in the Box?.
Possible support
For just one number going in you can use counters and a cloth. Show the counters and then cover them with the cloth. Secretly add the required extra number of counters under the cover before revealing them to the pupil. Then a number of probing questions can be asked: How many counters now? What must have happened under the cover?
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