Conference synopsis_MAVCON2026 - Flipbook - Page 118
SESSION F: Friday, 12.10pm-1.10pm (cont.)
F32 TOBLERONES, ICE CREAM CONES AND
POPCORN PYRAMIDS
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concepts
John West,
Y3 - Y8
What can students create with a single sheet of A4 paper?
In this hands-on, highly engaging session, participants will
explore how everyday packaging can become a powerful
context for learning about prisms, pyramids, cones and
cylinders. Inspired by the free Maths in Schools online
courses, this workshop demonstrates how simple materials
can spark rich mathematical thinking. Students are invited
to design and test their own Toblerone-style prisms,
ice-cream-cone nets and popcorn-box pyramids. Teachers
will experience how geometric reasoning develops naturally
when learners manipulate shapes, consider efficiency, and
justify design choices. The session highlights opportunities
for cross-curricular links, authentic problem-solving and
low-floor/high-ceiling tasks that support diverse learners.
Participants will leave with ready-to-use activities, digital
extensions and practical strategies for helping students see
geometry not as abstract theory, but as something they can
build, hold and explore.
Key takeaways:
1. Practical geometry through authentic contexts.
2. Low-cost, high-impact tasks using a single sheet of A4.
3. Linked to the free Maths in Schools online courses.
F33 IMPLEMENTING PSEUDOCODE
AND ALGORITHMS IN PYTHON ON
COMPUTER AND CAS
Sub-category: Digital technologies
Enzo Vozzo, Mentone Grammar
Y9 - Y12
The inclusion of pseudocode in the new Mathematical
Methods and Specialist Mathematics Study Design signals
a growing recognition of the importance of algorithms
and coding in senior mathematics. This presentation
introduces the three foundational elements of algorithm
design — sequencing, decision-making, and repetition —
and demonstrates how they can be implemented using
Python, both on a computer and on the new TI-Nspire CX II
CAS calculator, which includes Python as a built-in feature.
Participants will have the opportunity to code a range of
mathematical algorithms, including calculating pi via the
bisection method, generating Pythagorean triples and
prime numbers, running simulations, and defining custom
mathematical functions such as factorials, sine, and square
roots. Python’s support for complex numbers even allows
Euler’s identity to be computed in a single line. No prior
experience with coding or Python is required—just curiosity
and a willingness to explore.
Key takeaways:
1. Introduction to pseudocode and algorithm design:
sequencing, decision-making and repetition.
2. Introduction to the popular open-source computer
language Python.
3. Choice of writing code to calculate the value of pi,
generate Pythagorean triples, primes, run simulations, and
define functions such as sine and square roots in terms of
elementary arithmetic.
Remember:
Delegates do need to have Python installed on their
computer or it can be installed from the Python.org website
or use a web-based version. Delegates should bring their
laptop and/or CAS TI-Nspire CX II which has Python built in.
Python is not available on the Casio ClassPad FX-CP400.
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