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What is it?
This is a lovely, versatile activity that encourages students to take control of their own learning and also push themselves. The author kindly provides some crystal-clear instructions:
1. Take a question from the mystery box.
2. Write the question in your book & answer it.
3. Put the card back in the correct box and get another.
4. When you have answered 3 different questions self-assess.
If you get all of 3 of the questions correct move onto the next mystery box. If you make some mistakes, continue with that box and get help.
Very simple, yet potentially very effective.

How can it be used?
Whilst this particular version of the activity is aimed at expanding brackets, there is no reason at all why this format could not be rolled for topics spanning Year 7 right up to Year 13 Further Maths. And okay, you might say why not just pout the questions on three different worksheets and save a load of fuss? Well, because there is something novel about having questions in a “mystery box”, and often you need something like this to get students to engage with key skills such as expanding double brackets. I also really like the author’s suggestion of having some blue, extension questions lined up for those who conquer the green box.

Thanks so much for sharing
Craig Barton
Download Expanding Brackets Magic Box Activity

View the author’s other resources