Problem Solving Workshops

Mr Math Weeney is offering Virtual Juggling Workshops during Maths Week. Each day, up to 5 schools will take part through Zoom with the activity aimed at Transition Year students.

The topics covered include:

- Composite and prime numbers - Algebra

- Plotting points - Poetry

- Quadratic functions in various forms - Reflections on the learning process

- Translations - Learning from failure

- Patterns - The iterative process

- Turning points - Points of intersection

The activity involves students trying the skills of juggling and using quadratic graphs to model the path of each ball. All that students will need to bring is 3 pairs of socks each to participate. Teachers will be required to print off a resource booklet for each student which will be emailed in advance. They will then need to monitor the students to ensure they are staying on task and not throwing socks at each other.

The event works best with groups up to 20 but depends largely on the teacher and the size of the classroom. It works best when the teacher has a camera and working microphone so I can monitor students also.

The event is very structured. Students will be guided through each stage and will only juggle when told to do so. The teacher has full right and responsibility to remove a student if they are not participating in an appropriate manner. Work will be provided if they are not partaking properly. The task is an active learning exercise. Expect there to be some noise and laughing, that's part of the fun. I would appeal to teachers who have energy and enjoy out of the seat learning.

Upon completing the workshop, students will be given a unique composite number and a certificate of participation. They will join the community of jugglers known as 'The Product of Primes'. It promises to be an exciting few days!