Learning By Topic KS1: Mermaids and Mathematics

Use some mermaid scales (sequins!) to assist with: number bonds; grouping (tangible multiplication for e.g. make 5 groups of 4); for sharing (tangible division e.g. share 18 mermaid scales between 6 mermaids); and to represent place value.

With an adult talk about the measurements of the ingredients from your mermaid slime recipe (see English activity); practise reading measurements, decide on which measurement tools you will need for your recipe and then do the measuring! Top Tip: Great opportunity to start talking about halves and quarters.

After making your batch of mermaid slime, stretch and tear it, forming around 6 ‘blobs’ of different sizes. Using kitchen scales weigh each blob in grams. Record measurements in ascending order. Top Tip: Estimating would be a great concept to try here too–will the next blob of slime be lighter or heavier than the last?

Draw mermaids on the shape of the numbers 0-9. (Cross Curricular: Art)

Create a picture of a mermaid using 2D shapes. What 2D shapes have you used? Can you list/label the properties for each shape e.g. number of sides and corners.

Mermaids are rumoured to live deep in the ocean. The deepest part of the ocean is located in the Pacific Ocean and is approximately 11 kilometres deep! How many metres are in a kilometre? Now with an adult walk for one kilometre and then consider that another 10 km is how deep the deepest part of the ocean is! Extension: How many cm in a km?