A series of videos exploring our 'Wild Maths' theme, created by the Scottish Mathematical Council for Maths Week Scotland 2025.
Welcome to Wild About Maths, a series of videos created by The Scottish Mathematical Council for Maths Week Scotland 2025.
This year’s series of videos is centred around our series ‘Maths & Story’. It invites children on a captivating five-episode journey with Jerry the giraffe as he uses mathematics to solve real-world problems after a dramatic shipwreck. Each episode blends storytelling, hands-on challenges, and 'stop and think' moments, encouraging learners to pause, calculate, and discuss their mathematical reasoning.
The Wild About Maths series also includes three special “Show Your Working” segments (in Episodes 1, 2, and 5) where Edinburgh Zoo staff ask you to consider mathematics in their role and, then reveal how maths plays a vital role in their daily jobs, offering insight into maths beyond the classroom.
Best suited for upper primary.
Episode 1: The Shipwreck – Building for Survival
Join Jerry as an unexpected storm leaves him washed ashore on a mysterious island, needing to build a shelter with only his body as a measuring tool. This episode spotlights measurement and estimation, as Jerry uses his height and found objects to design and construct his first safe refuge. Challenge yourself along with Jerry and enjoy the “Show Your Working” segment featuring Edinburgh Zoo staff, where maths is put into practice in animal care and habitat creation.
Episode 2: Water and Food – The Science of Rationing
Episode 3: Signalling for Help – Patterns and Communication (The LONG episode)
On his third day, Jerry must create signals to attract rescuers using patterns and coordinates. He experiments with the Fibonacci sequence and grid mapping to spell SOS, demonstrating how mathematical patterns are crucial for clear communication. Learners are invited to create their own coded messages and see the importance of expressing views and ideas, mirroring every child’s right to be heard.
To support this episode, we have two additional segments after our Maths & Story section. These are ‘What’s The Point?’ where we learn about co-ordinates followed by a segment teaching us about Fibonacci and the Golden Rule.
Please note: This is an extra long episode, so you may want to split it over two sessions.
Video 4: Island Exploration – Mapping and Discovery
Feeling more confident, Jerry explores the island through systematic mapping, measuring distances, and charting his discoveries. This episode emphasizes scale as Jerry builds a detailed island map to support him with future island navigation. The story shows how mathematics transforms exploration into fun, hands-on discovery, celebrating curiosity and the joy of learning through play and creative investigation.
Video 5: Rescue, Reflection and Reporting
This episode begins with the closing “Show Your Working” with Edinburgh Zoo staff.
We then catch up with Jerry in the final episode of Maths & Story for this season. While we are a bit reluctant to spoil the ending - Jerry’s mathematical planning pays off as a research vessel spots his signals and rescues him. The finale challenges viewers to reflect on how maths solved everyday problems. Viewers are then asked to make your own “maths vlog” or diary, highlighting just how often maths is part of daily life, big and small… the series wouldn’t be complete without a final appearance from a visitor – so make sure you watch until the very end.
We would love to see and hear about your Maths Week Scotland activities, so please do share them with us on Facebook or Bluesky with the hashtag #MathsWeekScot, and tag us in!
We are delighted to be offering a big programme of family activities again this year, as well as some events just for adult. Find out what's on in your area each day.
