This open-ended mathematics investigation has been designed to deepen students’ understanding of location.

In this investigation, the students imagine that they are a famous pirate living in the year 1700. During a recent expedition in the Caribbean, they have managed to obtain a map (and accompanying set of directions) leading to the infamous ‘Blackbeard’s Bounty’ – a treasure filled with riches beyond any pirate’s wildest dreams!

The students must create a comprehensive map of the island where Blackbeard’s Bounty is buried, write a list of numbered directions from a starting point on the island to the treasure’s location, then swap their map and list of directions with a friend. Hopefully, their directions will accurately lead to the treasure!

This teaching resource includes:

• teacher notes, detailing a range of important information about the investigation
• a detailed description of the investigation for students, including step-by-step instructions
• brainstorming worksheet
• grid paper (for the map)
• scroll (for the directions)
• reflection questions.