Number (multiplication and division): Bugs in Amber
Challenge level ⭐⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 and Year 4 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our knowledge and skills of number and multiplication.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 × 12.
Credit: BBC Two - Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives
Clip Description
When a pine or fir tree is injured, a thick golden liquid substance called resin can seep out from openings in the tree’s bark. This liquid will eventually harden and help the tree heal. Through the process of fossilisation, the resin can turn into a beautiful gemstone called amber.
In this fascinating clip, we learn how flies, spiders and other creepy-crawlies became trapped in the resin that oozed out of swamp-growing trees millions of years ago. Many pieces of amber discovered today contain the perfectly-preserved fossilised remains of these prehistoric bugs! Why do you think the bugs were attracted to the tree resin? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
Henry found 11 small amber stones. He decided to sell them at a fair to raise money for his school. He couldn’t decide if he should sell them for 35p per stone or the whole lot for £3.50.
What should Henry do? Why do you think this?