Maths for communities

Published 04/08/2026.  Last updated 04/09/2026

This resource is shared as part of Maths Week Scotland. The theme for 2026 is Maths Matters.

These activities provide ideas for learning in communities. They can be used all year round to support you to develop mathematics through learning that is relevant to their everyday lives.

Each activity provides opportunities to apply numeracy skills and mathematical thinking in meaningful contexts.

Pull-up nets explores how designers use 2D drawings, called nets, to make 3D objects.

Learn about automaton and how they are engineered over time. You can also design your own spinning automaton.

You will need:

  • cardboard
  • scissors
  • tape
  • a ruler
  • two wooden skewers
  • a pencil and colouring supplies

The National Numeracy Day 1 hour number confidence reset explores:

  • feelings around maths
  • understanding maths anxiety
  • practical ways to improve skills and confidence with numbers at home and in your community

It can support any adults who want to find out more about how to improve their skills and confidence with numbers.

BBC Teach 

Maths for adults builds confidence with numbers through free videos, worksheets and practical activities that support learning at home and beyond. 

Work through the videos and worksheets at your own pace.

Breakfast Bot explores how computers know what we want them to do.

Join Alicia as she tries to program a robot to make toast with jam and butter. Sounds easy? Be careful there's no bugs in your code.

CLD maths explores a wide range of practical resources, activities and videos to support maths learning at home or in the community. It is suitable for all ages.

Explore the different sections and choose topics that interest you. Can be used with adult learners or in youth clubs. Can also be helpful for family learning.

Learn about cryptography and find out how to send and receive your very own secret messages in Make Your Own Codebreaker from the Glasgow Science Centre.

Posters and Leaflets from Call Scotland share helpful apps and resources that make learning maths more accessible, enjoyable and confidence-building for learners of all ages.

Explore the apps to find the ones that work best for you. You will need a device with internet access.

National Numeracy Day adult resources provide stories from adults who overcome lifelong anxieties about numeracy.

You can also find out about technology, apps and accessible resources that can help children and adults develop confidence and skills in maths and numeracy.

How to help kids with their maths homework from Parent Club offers games, puzzles and challenges. It is available in English and Gaelic and provides tips from Parent Club on making maths homework fun.

This resource can be used to support children from early years to S2.

youcubed explores engaging ideas and activities that help make maths enjoyable, meaningful and accessible for everyone.

Try different approaches and share your ideas. Focus on exploring, discussing and enjoying maths rather than finding the answer straight away.

Patterns in nature explores the Fibonacci sequence, an interesting set of numbers that pops up in ways that might surprise you! 

The Monty Hall Problem explores the odds of winning a prize when you stick or switch.

For a further probability activity to try out afterwards you'll need a pack of playing cards.

The Spark offer hands-on challenges that bring maths to life through:

  • coding
  • patterns
  • puzzles
  • probability
  • problem-solving

Perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Create your own tangram puzzle which has 7 geometric shapes.   
^ Back to top

Maths for communities

Published 04/08/2026.  Last updated 04/09/2026

This resource is shared as part of Maths Week Scotland. The theme for 2026 is Maths Matters.

These activities provide ideas for learning in communities. They can be used all year round to support you to develop mathematics through learning that is relevant to their everyday lives.

Each activity provides opportunities to apply numeracy skills and mathematical thinking in meaningful contexts.

Pull-up nets explores how designers use 2D drawings, called nets, to make 3D objects.

Learn about automaton and how they are engineered over time. You can also design your own spinning automaton.

You will need:

  • cardboard
  • scissors
  • tape
  • a ruler
  • two wooden skewers
  • a pencil and colouring supplies

The National Numeracy Day 1 hour number confidence reset explores:

  • feelings around maths
  • understanding maths anxiety
  • practical ways to improve skills and confidence with numbers at home and in your community

It can support any adults who want to find out more about how to improve their skills and confidence with numbers.

BBC Teach 

Maths for adults builds confidence with numbers through free videos, worksheets and practical activities that support learning at home and beyond. 

Work through the videos and worksheets at your own pace.

Breakfast Bot explores how computers know what we want them to do.

Join Alicia as she tries to program a robot to make toast with jam and butter. Sounds easy? Be careful there's no bugs in your code.

CLD maths explores a wide range of practical resources, activities and videos to support maths learning at home or in the community. It is suitable for all ages.

Explore the different sections and choose topics that interest you. Can be used with adult learners or in youth clubs. Can also be helpful for family learning.

Learn about cryptography and find out how to send and receive your very own secret messages in Make Your Own Codebreaker from the Glasgow Science Centre.

Posters and Leaflets from Call Scotland share helpful apps and resources that make learning maths more accessible, enjoyable and confidence-building for learners of all ages.

Explore the apps to find the ones that work best for you. You will need a device with internet access.

National Numeracy Day adult resources provide stories from adults who overcome lifelong anxieties about numeracy.

You can also find out about technology, apps and accessible resources that can help children and adults develop confidence and skills in maths and numeracy.

How to help kids with their maths homework from Parent Club offers games, puzzles and challenges. It is available in English and Gaelic and provides tips from Parent Club on making maths homework fun.

This resource can be used to support children from early years to S2.

youcubed explores engaging ideas and activities that help make maths enjoyable, meaningful and accessible for everyone.

Try different approaches and share your ideas. Focus on exploring, discussing and enjoying maths rather than finding the answer straight away.

Patterns in nature explores the Fibonacci sequence, an interesting set of numbers that pops up in ways that might surprise you! 

The Monty Hall Problem explores the odds of winning a prize when you stick or switch.

For a further probability activity to try out afterwards you'll need a pack of playing cards.

The Spark offer hands-on challenges that bring maths to life through:

  • coding
  • patterns
  • puzzles
  • probability
  • problem-solving

Perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Create your own tangram puzzle which has 7 geometric shapes.   
^ Back to top