The Outdoor Classroom

Counting Conkers: Outdoor Maths Activities Using The Outdoor Classroom App

Why Outdoor Maths Works

Traditional maths lessons often keep children seated at desks, but research shows that movement and active learning can significantly improve concentration and retention. By taking maths outdoors, pupils make concrete connections to abstract concepts, helping them see the relevance of numbers in the world around them.

Outdoor learning also supports the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach central to Maths Mastery. Collecting and sorting conkers gives children the chance to handle real objects (concrete), before moving on to recording answers digitally (pictorial), and finally tackling abstract equations in class.

Conker Maths Activities for KS1 and KS2

Here are some simple but effective ideas you can run with your pupils this October:

  • Grouping and Counting KS1 pupils can practise grouping conkers into 2s, 5s, or 10s, reinforcing early multiplication and division concepts.
  • Measuring Distances Using conkers as markers, pupils can measure distances between points in the playground or field, supporting KS2 work on metres, centimetres, and estimation.
  • Place Value Practice Create outdoor stations where pupils collect a set number of natural objects (e.g. 134 leaves). Pupils then use the app to record and decompose numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones.
    Data Handling Turn leaf colours or conker sizes into tally charts and bar graphs. Pupils record findings directly into The Outdoor Classroom app, giving teachers instant evidence of learning.
  • Problem-Solving Trails Set up an orienteering-style trail with conker-themed maths challenges at each checkpoint. Children solve problems on the move and record answers digitally for immediate feedback.

For more inspiration, NRICH Maths and the NCETM both offer rich resources aligned with mastery principles that can be adapted to the outdoors.

How The Outdoor Classroom App Supports Maths Mastery

Our app makes it simple for teachers to link outdoor activities with numeracy targets:

  • Pupils record answers digitally on-site, reducing paper and keeping focus on the task.
  • Teachers receive instant evidence for formative assessment, making it easier to track progress and spot gaps in understanding.
  • Activities are flexible and inclusive, meaning you can adapt them to suit both KS1 and KS2 classes.
  • Built-in trails and templates save planning time, so lessons are ready to go whenever the opportunity arises.
  • By combining nature’s resources with the app’s digital tools, schools can deliver maths that is active, engaging, and fully aligned with curriculum goals.

Try It This October

As conkers fall and leaves change colour, the playground and local park are filled with ready-made maths manipulatives. With The Outdoor Classroom app, those natural materials become the foundation for exciting, evidence-rich learning.

👉 Sign up for free today and discover how easy it is to bring maths mastery outdoors this autumn.

Because sometimes, the best way to learn to count… is by Counting Conkers.