Here is another maths investigation for young children. Using only 3, 2, +, and - can you make all the numbers up to 20? Each number and each sign can be used as often as you like. The aim is to work in a systematic way, but of course, in trying to make one number it is possible to make others along the way. A key part of this task is to set out results in a clear, orderly way. Once it has been achieved encourage children to look for extensions: can you find more than one way to make the numbers? What would happen if you tried to go up to 30? What would happen if you started with different numbers eg 3 and 4? etc. Go to the Terrific Twenty Challenge