NZ Maths Week 
Monday 11 August – Friday 15 August

Here’s some hands-on science activity that integrates the NZ Maths Curriculum and Science Capabilities for Years 1–8.

1.   🌈 Rainbow Ramp – Exploring Forces and Measurement

🧪 Overview

Students build a simple ramp and roll different objects down it, measuring how far each object travels. They record, compare, and graph the results.

🎯 Learning Focus

Science: Forces, motion, friction

Maths: Measuring distance, comparing data, creating graphs

📘 NZ Maths Curriculum Links

Understand: Distance as a measurable attribute

Know: Units of length (cm, m)

Do: Measure and compare distances; represent data visually

🔬 Science Capabilities

– Gather and interpret data

– Use evidence

– Critique evidence

– Interpret representations

– Engage with science

🧰 Materials Needed

– Cardboard or wooden ramp

– Books or blocks (to elevate ramp)

– Toy car or small objects (marble, ball, eraser)

– Ruler or measuring tape

– Recording sheet

– Graph paper or digital graphing tool

📝 Instructions

Set up the ramp at a fixed angle using books or blocks.

Predict which object will travel the furthest and why.

Roll each object down the ramp one at a time.

Measure the distance each object travels from the base of the ramp.

Record the data in a table.

Graph the results using a bar graph.

Discuss which object went the furthest and why.

🔄 Extensions

– Change the ramp angle and compare results.

– Use stopwatches to measure time and calculate speed.

– Introduce friction by adding different ramp surfaces (e.g., sandpaper, fabric).

2. 🧊 Melting Race – Exploring Heat and Measurement

🧪 Overview

Explore how different materials affect the rate of melting ice using measurement and time tracking.

🎯 Learning Focus

Science: States of matter, heat transfer

Maths: Measuring time, comparing durations, creating bar graphs

📘 NZ Maths Curriculum Links

Understand: Time as a measurable attribute

Know: Units of time (seconds, minutes)

Do: Measure and compare durations; represent data visually

 

🔬 Science Capabilities

– Gather and interpret data

– Use evidence

– Critique evidence

🧰 Materials Needed

– Ice cubes

– Metal tray

– Plastic lid

– Fabric

– Wood

– Stopwatch

– Recording sheet

📝 Instructions

Place ice cubes on different surfaces.

Predict which will melt fastest.

Time and record melting duration.

Graph and discuss results.

🔄 Extensions

– Try placing ice cubes in sunlight vs. shade.

– Use coloured ice cubes to explore light absorption.

– Graph melting time vs. surface temperature.

– Introduce insulation materials and test their effects.

3.   🌀 Paper Helicopters – Investigating Air Resistance

🧪 Overview

Design and test paper helicopters to explore how changes in design affect fall time.

🎯 Learning Focus

Science: Forces, air resistance

Maths: Measuring time, identifying variables, comparing outcomes

📘 NZ Maths Curriculum Links

Understand: Relationships between variables

Know: Measurement tools and units

Do: Conduct fair tests; record and compare results

🔬 Science Capabilities

– Interpret representations

– Engage with science

– Critique evidence

🧰 Materials Needed

– Paper

– Scissors

– Paper clips

– Stopwatch

– Ruler

📝 Instructions

Create paper helicopters.

Drop from height and time descent.

Modify one variable and repeat.

Record and compare results.

🔄 Extensions

– Test helicopters made from different paper types (cardboard, tissue).

– Add weight (paper clips) and observe changes.

– Measure descent time and calculate average speed.

– Create a competition for longest flight time.

4.   🧂 Dissolving Detectives – Solubility and Fair Testing

🧪 Overview

Test how quickly different substances dissolve in water using timers and fair testing principles.

🎯 Learning Focus

Science: Mixtures, solubility

Maths: Measuring time, creating data tables

📘 NZ Maths Curriculum Links

Understand: Variables and fair testing

Know: Time units and data structures

Do: Record and compare results; use tables

🔬 Science Capabilities

– Critique evidence

– Use evidence

– Gather and interpret data

🧰 Materials Needed

– Salt

– Sugar

– Baking soda

– Sand

– Water

– Cups

– Spoons

– Stopwatch

📝 Instructions

Add each substance to water.

Stir and time dissolving.

Record results in a table.

Compare and discuss.

🔄 Extensions

– Test solubility in warm vs. cold water.

– Explore stirring speed as a variable.

– Introduce concepts of saturation and concentration.

– Create a dissolving race and predict outcomes.

5.   🏗️ Bridge Builders – Exploring Strength and Structure

🧪 Overview

Build bridges from different materials and test how much weight they can hold.

🎯 Learning Focus

Science: Engineering, material strength

Maths: Counting, comparing weights, data collection

📘 NZ Maths Curriculum Links

Understand: Structure and function

Know: Units of weight (grams)

Do: Count and compare; represent data

🔬 Science Capabilities

– Engage with science

– Use evidence

– Interpret representations

🧰 Materials Needed

– Paper

– Straws

– Tape

– Coins or weights

– Ruler

📝 Instructions

Build bridges from materials.

Test with weights.

Record how much each holds.

Compare and discuss.

🔄 Extensions

– Explore different bridge designs (arch, beam, truss).

– Use digital scales to measure exact weight held.

– Link to geometry by measuring angles and lengths.

– Create a bridge-building challenge with limited materials.