NGf L CYMRU GCaD
Penguin Sliders
Teaching Guidance
These activities are intended as front of class stimulus at KS2/3
INTRODUCE
The initial screen should be running at the start of the lesson to provide initial
stimulus.
Encourage students to work in groups to decide how many slides will be
needed to get the penguin to safety. (pupils should be given the printable 3 x 3
grid and counters to work this out)
Only when they have had chance to consider their answer and discuss with the
rest of the class (including allowing pupils to model their ideas using the
interactive activity) should the animation be used to check answers.
The animation offers the opportunity for pupils to see that the shortest route is
to move diagonally.
PLAN
Before moving on to plan the investigation time should be taken to discuss the
question to be answered/investigated. Use the highlighter on the drop down
pen tool to highlight the important points in the question.
When planning the investigation, students should be encouraged to work in
groups to fill out their planning sheet, (available as a printable document).
These planning sheets can then be drawn together by using the IWB file.
Only bring up one thought bubble at a time so that students focus fully on the
prompt being discussed
DEVELOP
It is recommended that students work in groups on the printable grids using
counters with the interactive activity to draw heir findings back together and
check results.
First select the size of ice flow you wish to investigate.
The ice flows can be moved by clicking on an ice platform next to the space.
Students should be encouraged to show the rest of the class how they moved
their penguin to safety.
To investigate a new layer, click on ‘change grid size’.
REFLECT
This screen should be used to draw the students findings together.
Use the pen tool to write in the students’ suggestions before clicking on the
‘show’ button to check answers.
The formulas should only be revealed once the students have had the
opportunity to explain the patterns they have found.
Once they think they can use their pattern to predict the number of slides for
any size grid they should be allowed to check that prediction on an 8 x 8 ice
flow.