Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students collect junk mail from home and bring it to the class to investigate mathematically. Students participate in a range of mathematical activities around their junk mail, including counting the number of pieces of junk mail collected, weighing the mail, measuring the length and area the mail covers. The class will then make their own ‘no junk mail’ sign to take home.
Learning intentions:
- Students know what junk mail is and why it is used.
- Students recognise the environmental impacts of junk mail.
- Students know some actions they can take to reduce the negative impacts of junk mail on our environment.
- Students know a range of ways we can use maths to measure real world objects.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content Descriptions:
Foundation Mathematics
- Use direct and indirect comparisons to decide which is longer, heavier or holds more, and explain reasoning in everyday language (ACMMG006)
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Numeracy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.9.
Relevant parts of Foundation Mathematics achievement standards: Students compare objects using mass, length and capacity.
Topic: Waste.
Time required: 60 minutes.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – Oversee discussions and activities.
Resources required: Junk mail. Scales. Ruler. Art resources.
Keywords: Junk mail, mathematics, weight, length, sorting.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
