Tom Button
@tombutton.bsky.social
Director for Data Science and Mathematics Technology at MEI - interested in using technology for learning maths, #ALevelMaths and #DataScienceEd - all views are my own or someone else's
Reposted by Tom Button
I have a colleague who has been doing this course and always comes in the day after a session raving about all the good ideas. So it’s definitely worth signing up for if you can! #ALevelMaths
Bookings for the spring cohort of The Maths of Data Science and AI course for #ALevelMaths teachers will close soon.
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
January 16, 2026 at 5:26 PM
I have a colleague who has been doing this course and always comes in the day after a session raving about all the good ideas. So it’s definitely worth signing up for if you can! #ALevelMaths
Looking forward to attending my 25th MEI Conference this year!
Want to find out what’s going on at the MEI Conference 2026?
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
January 16, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Looking forward to attending my 25th MEI Conference this year!
Reposted by Tom Button
Want to find out what’s going on at the MEI Conference 2026?
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
January 16, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Want to find out what’s going on at the MEI Conference 2026?
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
The programme is available now: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Check it out and choose your 2026 sessions!
#MEIConf26 #Mathematics
Reposted by Tom Button
January 15, 2026 at 12:55 PM
New blog post: Developing a Level 3 Qualification in Data Science and AI
My response to proposals in the recent Curriculum and Assessment review.
mei.org.uk/insight/deve...
My response to proposals in the recent Curriculum and Assessment review.
mei.org.uk/insight/deve...
How MEI are helping develop adult numeracy in the Army
Training tutors in a mastery approach means soldiers gain the maths qualifications they need to progress in their careers
mei.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 2:54 PM
New blog post: Developing a Level 3 Qualification in Data Science and AI
My response to proposals in the recent Curriculum and Assessment review.
mei.org.uk/insight/deve...
My response to proposals in the recent Curriculum and Assessment review.
mei.org.uk/insight/deve...
Why do mathematicians not like the number 288?
Because it's too gross.
Because it's too gross.
January 15, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Why do mathematicians not like the number 288?
Because it's too gross.
Because it's too gross.
Bookings for the spring cohort of The Maths of Data Science and AI course for #ALevelMaths teachers will close soon.
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
January 14, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Bookings for the spring cohort of The Maths of Data Science and AI course for #ALevelMaths teachers will close soon.
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
Book now at amsp.org.uk/event/b23514... for 5 online sessions and a study day
... and there's a £350 bursary to help with travel/cover costs for the study day!
I marked some homework on chi squared tests today. It really frustrates me that students have to do these sorts of tests by hand when of course in reality they are all done by computer.
January 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by Tom Button
In #mathstoday, I motivated z-scores by asking who was faster - Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt?
In past years, I had done this after introducing z-scores, but starting with the question prompted great discussion:
"You can't compare them. They're different sports."
www.desmos.com/calculator/d...
1/5
In past years, I had done this after introducing z-scores, but starting with the question prompted great discussion:
"You can't compare them. They're different sports."
www.desmos.com/calculator/d...
1/5
Bolt vs. Phelps
www.desmos.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:45 PM
In #mathstoday, I motivated z-scores by asking who was faster - Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt?
In past years, I had done this after introducing z-scores, but starting with the question prompted great discussion:
"You can't compare them. They're different sports."
www.desmos.com/calculator/d...
1/5
In past years, I had done this after introducing z-scores, but starting with the question prompted great discussion:
"You can't compare them. They're different sports."
www.desmos.com/calculator/d...
1/5
Reposted by Tom Button
Big news for #MEIConf26! Sue Black, OBE, Professor of Computer Science at Durham, joins us as a keynote speaker.
“If I can do it, so can you” will inspire with her journey of resilience & success.
📍 Keele University on 2–3 July
🗓 Registration opens Feb
Explore sessions: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
“If I can do it, so can you” will inspire with her journey of resilience & success.
📍 Keele University on 2–3 July
🗓 Registration opens Feb
Explore sessions: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
January 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Big news for #MEIConf26! Sue Black, OBE, Professor of Computer Science at Durham, joins us as a keynote speaker.
“If I can do it, so can you” will inspire with her journey of resilience & success.
📍 Keele University on 2–3 July
🗓 Registration opens Feb
Explore sessions: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
“If I can do it, so can you” will inspire with her journey of resilience & success.
📍 Keele University on 2–3 July
🗓 Registration opens Feb
Explore sessions: buff.ly/l7LdSxX
Reposted by Tom Button
I've just signed up for this.
5 twilights (Zoom) and a course day (travel and cover are funded).
AMSP courses have a tradition of being superb.
What's not to like!
#MathsToday
5 twilights (Zoom) and a course day (travel and cover are funded).
AMSP courses have a tradition of being superb.
What's not to like!
#MathsToday
This term we are repeating 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' PD course for A level Maths teachers.
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
January 6, 2026 at 2:14 PM
I've just signed up for this.
5 twilights (Zoom) and a course day (travel and cover are funded).
AMSP courses have a tradition of being superb.
What's not to like!
#MathsToday
5 twilights (Zoom) and a course day (travel and cover are funded).
AMSP courses have a tradition of being superb.
What's not to like!
#MathsToday
Reposted by Tom Button
This term we are repeating 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' PD course for A level Maths teachers.
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
January 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
This term we are repeating 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' PD course for A level Maths teachers.
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
Reposted by Tom Button
Come for the maths and stay for the ethical discussions. :)
January 5, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Come for the maths and stay for the ethical discussions. :)
This term we are repeating 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' PD course for A level Maths teachers.
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
January 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
This term we are repeating 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' PD course for A level Maths teachers.
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
You can learn about the maths in AI and how to integrate this into your #ALevelMaths lessons. It's free and there's a £350 bursary for attending the study day!
amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
Could statistics predict which dresses Taylor Swift would wear to perform the Eras Tour's surprise songs? Two data-loving Swifties decided to find out...
https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article/23/1/12/8380148 #freetoread #taylorswift
https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article/23/1/12/8380148 #freetoread #taylorswift
January 5, 2026 at 10:38 AM
It's done! And ahead of schedule... (for once!)
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
December 19, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Reposted by Tom Button
It's done! And ahead of schedule... (for once!)
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
December 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
It's done! And ahead of schedule... (for once!)
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
A fully revised 2026 version of the Risps PDF eBook is now available for free, from
www.risps.co.uk
and from Payhip.
payhip.com/b/RGKPF
An early Ch-risp-mas present?
With best wishes of the season,
Jonny
Reposted by Tom Button
without the vital typo this time (sorry)
New Pearson A Level Maths Command Words document
tinyurl.com/ymk35ey7
and find the other exam boards at
b.link/commandwords
Good for GCSE too
New Pearson A Level Maths Command Words document
tinyurl.com/ymk35ey7
and find the other exam boards at
b.link/commandwords
Good for GCSE too
December 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Controversial opinion:
I think "Math" sounds better than "Maths", even though I'm British. The "th" followed by "s" sound is really clumsy.
I think "Math" sounds better than "Maths", even though I'm British. The "th" followed by "s" sound is really clumsy.
December 17, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Controversial opinion:
I think "Math" sounds better than "Maths", even though I'm British. The "th" followed by "s" sound is really clumsy.
I think "Math" sounds better than "Maths", even though I'm British. The "th" followed by "s" sound is really clumsy.
Reposted by Tom Button
Don’t miss out on your chance to apply for a bursary to attend the MEI Conference 2026. Two bursaries available!
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025
Apply now: buff.ly/eP4NZ46
#MEIConf26 #Bursary #SciStudio
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025
Apply now: buff.ly/eP4NZ46
#MEIConf26 #Bursary #SciStudio
December 16, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Don’t miss out on your chance to apply for a bursary to attend the MEI Conference 2026. Two bursaries available!
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025
Apply now: buff.ly/eP4NZ46
#MEIConf26 #Bursary #SciStudio
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025
Apply now: buff.ly/eP4NZ46
#MEIConf26 #Bursary #SciStudio
Christmas tree with flashing lights in @desmos.com : www.desmos.com/calculator/w...
Decorated Christmas tree
www.desmos.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Christmas tree with flashing lights in @desmos.com : www.desmos.com/calculator/w...
Reposted by Tom Button
Some quotes from teachers on the AMSP 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' course:
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
December 11, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Some quotes from teachers on the AMSP 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' course:
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
Reposted by Tom Button
How would you explain why this works to a 5-year-old? Please ELI5 - explain like I'm five! #iTeachMath #MathChat
December 12, 2025 at 2:02 PM
How would you explain why this works to a 5-year-old? Please ELI5 - explain like I'm five! #iTeachMath #MathChat
"τ is the hipster circle constant"
It's the second math(s) thing that's made me chuckle today - the first being "chi-squared goddess of fit tests" from @maria-naturalmath.bsky.social
It's the second math(s) thing that's made me chuckle today - the first being "chi-squared goddess of fit tests" from @maria-naturalmath.bsky.social
-8+e+τ = 1.0014671356386309,
where e is Euler's number,
τ is the hipster circle constant.
Today = 12/12 = 1
error = 0.1467%
where e is Euler's number,
τ is the hipster circle constant.
Today = 12/12 = 1
error = 0.1467%
December 12, 2025 at 9:43 AM
"τ is the hipster circle constant"
It's the second math(s) thing that's made me chuckle today - the first being "chi-squared goddess of fit tests" from @maria-naturalmath.bsky.social
It's the second math(s) thing that's made me chuckle today - the first being "chi-squared goddess of fit tests" from @maria-naturalmath.bsky.social
Some quotes from teachers on the AMSP 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' course:
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
December 11, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Some quotes from teachers on the AMSP 'The Maths of Data Science and AI' course:
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...
"Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students"
"The study day was amazing"
"Inspiriational"
You can sign up now for the spring course at: amsp.org.uk/event/b23514...