Number (multiplication and division): Ladybird Spots
Challenge level ⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our skills and knowledge of number, multiplication and addition.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To identify odd and even numbers
- To count in multiples of 4 and 7
- To mentally add a 2-digit number and 1s
Credit: BBC One - Life in the Undergrowth
Clip Description
Ladybirds belong to the beetle family and they are very easy to identify. The most common ones have shiny red wing cases with black spots, although some can be black and yellow, white and brown, or even striped. Their bright colours warn predators of their bitter taste. When feeling threatened, they often leave a smelly trail of yellow fluid behind.
In this fascinating clip, a 7-spot ladybird is on the hunt for its favourite food – aphids. However, the aphids aren’t easy to reach as they are being protected by ants. What will the aphids offer the ants in exchange for their protection? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
The answer is 7, what could the question be?
e.g. What is the next odd number in the sequence 1, 3, 5, … ?
Challenge yourself to find ways of making 7 that you think no one else will have thought of.