Maths Trails
A maths trail is an activity based on the strands of the maths curriculum (numbers, algebra, shapes and space, measures or data). Maths trails can take place anywhere: the classroom, the school building, the school grounds and the general locality. Maths trails can also be designed to link strands and strand units of the mathematics curriculum. The mathematics curriculum can also be linked and integrated with other subject areas such as PE, geography, history and science, using a topic-based trail.
The following websites give background and ideas on how to organise a maths trail:
www.pcsp.ie/html/intouch/Maths/Trailblazing.pdf
A pdf file which outlines the steps to making a maths trail, and gives some examples which are relevant to the Irish primary school maths curriculum.
http://www.primarymaths.ie/files/mathstrail1st2nd.pdf
A Maths trail of the Botanic Gardens, Dublin designed by Marino College of Education.
UK Maths Trails
http://www.foresteducation.org/resources/woodland_m_1122560070.pdf
An example of a woodland maths trail, developed with a view to reinforcing school maths and making a link with a woodland environment.
http://nrich.maths.org/public/viewer.php?obj_id=2579
From the NRICH group in University of Cambridge. Gives ideas on how to develop a maths trail, and gives locations in the UK of cultural sites which contain maths trails for children.
http://www.brandlingprimary.org/2007/06/maths_on_the_quayside.html
An example of a maths trail around the city of Newcastle.
http://www.larne.gov.uk/uploads/docs/Maths%20Work.pdf
an example of a maths trail in the UK with downloadable material.
Other Countries
An example of a maths trails in Australia with photos for different aged children, bringing maths to the playground.
