No images? Click here Issue 50 – September 2023 Welcome to our 50th roundup of all things Cambridge MathematicsNote: Image generated using the prompt "a celebration of the number 50," set with a graphic content type and a vibrant colour variable, by Adobe, Adobe Firefly AI, 2023 (https://www.adobe.com/sensei/generative-ai/firefly.html). A message from our DirectorDear reader Marhaba, Fifty is the smallest number that we can write as a sum of two non-zero square numbers in two different ways, one of them being 12 + 72 = 50. It is year 1 for me with Cambridge Mathematics, my 7th message in the newsletter, but more importantly, it is our 50th issue! Isn't it great when numbers fall into place? Cambridge Mathematics is now 1+7 years young, moving from strength to strength, and aiming for not less than a 50th birthday! Indeed, we still have a lot to offer, and the best is yet to come. In this special 50th issue, wrapped in a new design by our own art creator Ray, we decided to share with you a lot of fascinating updates and resources. We receive many questions about our products and services, so you now have access to dedicated pages for these on our website; check them out, share your thoughts, and maybe we can collaborate on some projects. Speaking of our offerings, JourneyMaths is coming back, and a new webinar is dropping soon. Furthermore, we just started a new series on engaging with emerging technologies in education, and in the first issue Xinyue presents her guidelines on working with AI in research and writing. Moreover, a topic that we receive a lot of queries on is none other than our very own Cambridge Mathematics Framework, so Tabs and Fran recorded a special video to address your most pressing questions. Now, what about podcasts – why don't we have any? Well, this will change soon, but not only that, vlogs are coming as well! We will be talking about topics of interest to practitioners and mathematics fans all around the world. As you see, we have been busy, but not only with the above; we are involved in several large projects that we are excited about, but I will only be revealing one here – a new Minecraft game, developed in partnership with Microsoft! Why? Because mathematics is fun, as you surely know and will see when you play M.A.T.H. Mummy Mayhem! To enhance this bumper issue, we share with you a freshly-brewed Espresso and data showing the most popular Espressos since we started filtering our research. Have you read all of them? If not, make sure you do! We are not done yet, but I will stop here for this issue and promise you further special announcements and enchanting resources shortly – so stay tuned! "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others," said Cicero. We are thankful to all of you, friends of Cambridge Mathematics, for your trust and your continuing interest in our work. We will always strive to serve mathematics, mathematicians and education as a whole, and we hope to always have you with us as our journey continues. Best wishes, In this edition:
Website updatesUpcoming changes to our website We have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the experience of our website and to inform you about the work we do and the resources we offer. Our servicesThe team offers support in any area of mathematics education including curriculum review and design, professional learning, resource and assessment design, policy formation and thought leadership. For teachers and practitionersThis is the new home for our Espressos – plus, in this section you will find other resources that are currently available, which you are invited to explore, discover, share and enjoy! M.A.T.H. Mummy MayhemWe have partnered with Minecraft Education on a new Minecraft game to make mathematics more fun and engaging for students everywhere M.A.T.H. Mummy Mayhem transports you to Egypt, where a Mummy is said to roam the ancient sites. Gamers will use their mathematics skills to unlock the secrets of the past. Minecraft offers an engaging way to teach and learn mathematics, as the game's fundamental structure requires exploration and a problem-solving approach. Geometry concepts like shape, symmetry and spatial reasoning are woven into the world more tightly than the wrapping of the Mummy's bandages. M.A.T.H. Mummy Mayhem, which is accessible to learners from primary age upwards, is available in 29 languages for both Minecraft Education and Bedrock in the Minecraft Marketplace. Tabs and Fran talk about … the multiplicative structure of natural numbersDelving into the Cambridge Mathematics Framework If you've ever wondered what the Cambridge Mathematics Framework actually is, then here's a glimpse inside the structure itself. If that piques your curiosity and you'd like to explore further, visit the For teachers and practitioners section on our website. Our latest EspressoA small but intense draught of filtered research on mathematics education Developing concepts of patternTabitha Gould, Frances Watson and Lucy Rycroft-Smith explore what research suggests about developing concepts of pattern. A history of Espressos throughout 50 issues of Sip & SnackFrom February 2019 to now Since the first issue of Sip & Snack we have been highlighting our Espressos, the first featured one being Issue 16: Mastery in mathematics. Most downloaded EspressoOur most downloaded Espresso during this period is Issue 20: Variation theory in mathematics education, which has been downloaded 3,653 times! In this issue, which was released on the 29th May 2019, we pose the question "How might variation theory affect mathematics teaching and learning?" Top 5 Espressos by views and downloadsWe are so glad you've been enjoying our Espressos and utilising them inside and outside the classroom. With a current total of 47 published issues, and more to come, we hope you'll continue to enjoy these small but intense draughts of filtered research on mathematics education. Engaging with Emerging Technologies in EducationOur new series of guidelines on how to engage ethically and responsibly with emerging technologies in education In today's digital society, mastering the art of integrating digital technology into education is crucial. With the many opportunities and challenges that come with these advancements, our Engaging with Emerging Technologies in Education guidelines series is here to illuminate the path. We are pleased to announce the release of the first issue in this series, "Engaging with Artificial Intelligence in Research and Writing," which focuses on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence; it also features a special discussion on copyright and intellectual property ownership. Stay informed in future Sip & Snacks about upcoming guidelines and seize this chance to tap into the boundless opportunities of research, learning and teaching facilitated by digital technology. Coming soon: VlogsOur new upcoming vlog series Cambridge Mathematics is creating a brand new vlog series, which aims to put the spotlight on a love for mathematics, removing the fear and complexity often associated with it. From the infinite chocolate bar, via the most affordable way to order a pizza, to understanding why cats like to curl into a ball, each vlog will highlight a different way mathematics shows up in everyday life. Keep an eye out in future Sip & Snacks for updates! Coming soon: Practitioner podcastsOur new podcast series talking to educators about their classrooms Listening in to this new podcast series will mean you are privy to what's happening in classrooms far and wide. Spanning a range of settings, phases, locations and roles, you'll be able to listen to coffee-time conversations about ways in which practitioners decide to explore the teaching and learning they are conjuring in their classrooms, and the part that research plays. Join us to relax and ponder the magic of stories that start with "I wondered …" See updates in future Sip & Snacks! Coming soon: JourneyMaths webinarOur professional learning platform Last year, Cambridge Mathematics launched JourneyMaths. This new platform is an online environment in which we would like users to have space to explore mathematics and mathematical thinking for the classroom, supported by resources and guidance based on the Cambridge Mathematics Framework. A small group of users have supported us by providing feedback on their experience with JourneyMaths and the first Collection of content, and we are now eager to expand this group and develop the website and resources further. If you haven’t yet signed up, please do so and take a look around – it's now open to all! In October we'll be offering a webinar where we'll take you on an exploration through some of the JourneyMaths content – look out for details in the next Sip & Snack! |