Editor’s note: This is an updated version of a blog post published on January 6, 2020.
Here’s a question for you… how many days are there in 2020 years? The answer is trickier than it looks. Try this problem with your Year 5 and 6 learners as a fun way to wind down for the holidays.
How many days are there in 2020 years?
Sounds straightforward right? Just a bit of multiplication.
But hang on a minute — what about those pesky leap years? Here’s where the question gets interesting.
In this Year 5 and 6 problem, you can guide learners to the answer by using effective-questioning techniques. This question requires problem-solving and reasoning skills. It tests learners’ skills in multiplication, dividing by 4, working with multiples of 100, and addition and subtraction.
Try this question as a class activity with your learners and challenge them to tap into their mathematical problem-solving skills.