Be a Paper Engineer Mathematics teaching materials Be a Paper Engineer Numeracy Through Problem Solving Written by Malcolm Swan, Barbara Binns and John Gillespie with Hugh Burkhardt and the Shell Centre Team. Numeracy Through Problem Solving is a sequence of five modules which develop students' ability to use mathematics together with other skills, in tackling problems of concern or situations of interest in everyday life - the original definition of numeracy, which was reinforced by the Cockcroft Report. In groups, students make a wide variety of pop-up cards, gift boxes and envelopes in order to familiarise themselves with the techniques involved.
Students investigate a few techniques.
Groups pool ideas for paper products and then, individually, students attempt to design and make an accurate version of one of the products. The five modules have all been designed for pupils of all abilities to complement the GCSE Mathematics curriculum for 16 year olds in England and Wales. Each module is designed to take between 10 and 20 hours to complete. Each provides a theme within which the students take responsibility for planning, organising or designing. They are based around the everyday interests of most students.