Journey To School Maths
Maths hiding in getting to school: route choices
Compare safe routes by distance, time and number of crossings.
Quick answer
Maths is all around us when you're getting to school – from counting how many steps you take to working out which route is quickest or shortest.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to compare different routes to school by looking at distance, time, and number of road crossings, and choose the best one based on what matters most to you.Why this matters
When you get ready to go to school, you're using maths without even realising it. Whether you're choosing the quickest way to walk, checking how many traffic lights you'll pass, or thinking about how long it takes to get there, you're using maths skills like measurement, time, and comparison. These skills help you make smart choices, stay safe, and get to school on time.How it works
When you're deciding how to get to school, you can use maths to compare different routes. Here’s how: 1. Measure the distance – How far is each route? You can walk it and count your steps, or use a measuring tape or ruler. 2. Time how long each route takes – Use a stopwatch or watch to see how long it takes you to walk each route. 3. Count road crossings – How many times do you have to cross the road on each route? 4. Compare the routes – Which route is shortest? Which is fastest? Which has the fewest crossings?Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you're comparing two routes to school. Route A: - Distance: 100 steps - Time: 2 minutes - Number of crossings: 3 Route B: - Distance: 120 steps - Time: 1 minute 30 seconds - Number of crossings: 1 Which route would you choose? It depends on what you care about most! If you want to walk the shortest distance, you choose Route A. But if you want to get there fastest, you choose Route B. If you're worried about safety, you might pick Route B because it only has one crossing. But if you're tired, you might pick Route A because it's shorter.Try it as a mini adventure
Let’s go on a little journey together! Adventure: The Great School Route Challenge You're going to be a route detective and compare three different ways to get to school. Here's your mission: 1st time: Walk your usual route to school and count how many steps you take. 2nd time: Walk a different path and count how many steps. 3rd time: Walk a third path and count how many steps. 4th time: Time how long each route takes using a watch or phone. 5th time: Count how many times you cross the road on each route. 6th time: Compare your routes and decide which one is best for you. Example: - Route 1: 150 steps, 3 minutes, 2 crossings - Route 2: 100 steps, 2 minutes, 1 crossing - Route 3: 200 steps, 2 minutes, 3 crossings Now, decide which is your favourite route and why. Is it the shortest? The fastest? The safest?Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that the longest route is always the safest.
Why it happens: You might think that walking more means you're safer, but sometimes a shorter route has fewer crossings, which can be safer.
Fix: Look at the number of crossings, not just the distance. - Mistake: Comparing time and distance at the same time without thinking which is more important.
Why it happens: You might be confused by too much information at once.
Fix: Decide what matters most to you first – is it speed, safety, or distance? - Mistake: Not counting road crossings carefully.
Why it happens: You might get distracted or forget to count.
Fix: Use your fingers or a small counter to keep track of each crossing.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by: 1. Encouraging them to walk different routes and talk about what they notice. 2. Using a timer to make it fun and engaging. 3. Counting steps together or using a pedometer to make it more real. 4. Asking questions like: “Which route do you think is safest?” or “Why did you choose that one?” 5. Helping them record their findings in a simple chart or notebook. 6. Letting them choose the route and explain their thinking. Remember: This is a chance for your child to use maths in a real-world way, and it’s okay if they don’t always pick the “best” route. The goal is to think about maths in their everyday lives.Practice questions
- Which route is shorter: 120 steps or 150 steps?
Answer: 120 steps - How many minutes is 1 minute 30 seconds?
Answer: 1.5 minutes - If you cross the road 2 times and walk 100 steps, how many steps did you take in total?
Answer: 100 steps (the number of crossings doesn’t change the steps) - Which route is fastest: 2 minutes or 2 minutes 30 seconds?
Answer: 2 minutes - Which route is safest: 1 crossing or 3 crossings?
Answer: 1 crossing
FAQ
What maths is used in getting to school?
When you're getting to school, you use maths to measure distance, time, and count things like road crossings. This helps you make smart choices about which route to take.
How can I help my child learn this at home?
You can walk different routes with your child and ask them to compare the distances, times, and number of crossings. You can also use a timer or stopwatch to make it more fun.
Why is it important to think about road crossings?
Road crossings can be dangerous, so thinking about how many times you cross the road helps you stay safe on your way to school.
Can I use this to learn about other things?
Yes! You can use the same skills to plan trips, find the best way to get somewhere, or even to decide which path to take in a game or puzzle.
What if I don’t have a choice of routes?
Even if you only have one route, you can still use maths to think about time, distance, or safety. For example, you can time how long it takes you or count how many traffic lights you pass.