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Muddy Faces

INSPIRATIONS - outdoor maths

A collection of outdoor maths activities for the early years and primary age using natural materials.

Curriculum Outdoors

Introduction

Maths is everywhere and to quote Juliet Robertson "Every moment is a maths moment!"

There are a lot of fab ideas out there for exploring maths outdoors. We have put together a few simple favourites in this inspiration activity page to get you started.

*Muddy Faces actively promotes child-led outdoor play & learning. We recognise and believe in the curiosity that children have and their drive to explore and discover. We hope that you will bear this in mind when considering more prescribed activities like some of those here - often much more creative ideas will occur if resources are simply provided and children are given the time and space to explore independently.


What you'll need

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

  • natural resources - only gather fallen sticks, don't pull them off a growing tree or bush
  • leave no trace - take your resources home with you

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

  • safe use of tools or fire

Number & Counting

Make a counting rope

A great activity to practice fine motor skills and tool use ending up with an outdoor maths abacus.

Read More about Make a counting rope

5 little speckled frogs

Perfect outdoor early years maths resource that's fun to make and play.

Read More about 5 little speckled frogs

Pebble creature maths

Use pebble creatures to make outdoor maths activities more fun!

Read More about Pebble creature maths
Ten frame conker bag 40x40

Make a ten frame collecting bag

Counting apples 40x40

So many things to count outdoors!

Elder Bead String

A simple and very satisfying way of making your own elder beads using simple tools.

Read More about Elder Bead String

Use sticks to...

Matching pair sticks 40x40

... compare lengths

Compare length sticks 40x40

... order or find a pattern

Stick triange 40x40

... create simple stick shapes

Make a 1 Sq m maths set

A simple activity exploring length in a hands-on way using natural resources.

Read More about Make a 1 Sq m maths set

Use string to...

Measuring girth of tree 40x40

... measure the girth of a tree

Estimate the age of tree - a tree will increase its girth by approx 2.5cm in a year

Exploring spirals 40x40

... explore spirals

Stickstringchalkcompass 40x40

... draw a big circle

Make a compass with stick and string.

Some shape ideas

Shape geo pattern40x40

Create shapes using a geo pattern board

Construction poles 40x40

create giant 3D shapes

Some estimation ideas

Pile of sticks 40x40

How many sticks are in the pile?

An alternative to how many sweets in the jar!

3a.hold Over Embers20x20

How long until the first kernel pops?!

Pebble problem solving & estimation

How many pebble creatures will sink the boat?!

Read More about Pebble problem solving & estimation

More maths activities

Make a clock

A really simple idea to create a bright and tactile clock.

Read More about Make a clock
MFL216 Sum Building600

Maths

Have a look at the maths section of our shop - full of natural resources & our UK Grown wood products.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.



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