The following resource has been kindly shared on the TES Maths website. It is available to download for free by registering.

What is it?

This is quite possibly one of my favourite resources of all time that has been uploaded to TES Maths. I immediately have a soft spot for it as The Crystal Maze was one of my favourite TV shows when I was growing up. But this resource is so much more than just a name. The author has managed to capture the magic of the show and infuse it with loads of mathematical delights. There are questions and challenges based around Greek, Egyptian, Indian and Chinese mathematics, so not only do students get to exercise their brains in a fun and engaging way in their quest to make it to The Crystal Dome, but they get to learn some of the wonderful history of our subject into the bargain as well!

How can it be used?

Given the time of year, I feel this is an ideal end of term activity. “Sir, can we have a fun lesson today?”. “Yes, we certainly can”. No need for a DVD or an end of term quiz with this little beauty. The questions are rich and challenging, but the way they are presented (and the promise of making it to the Crystal Dome) will keep the students engaged. So, arm yourself with scissors, glue and calculators, get the students into teams, follow the instructions on the PowerPoint, and let the fun begin. Or, as Richard O’Brien might have said: “can we start the fans, please!”. Oh, the memories. They don’t make them like they used to…

Thank you for sharing!

Craig Barton

Download The Crystal Maze

View the author’s other resources

Find all other lovely Resources of the Week on the ROTW Index Page