morning glory muffins

How can I help a group of twelve-year-olds learn to use algebraic symbols to describe a matchstick pattern? What activity would help a group of fifteen-year-olds who have already been labelled as "bad at maths" experience some success (and enjoyment!)? Can I develop an interactive way of teaching the standard normal distribution?


These are tough questions that consume me about eleven hours of every day. My brain needs fuel to answer questions like these. And discussion with my colleagues is a big help as well. So these Morning Glory Muffins seemed like they needed to be in the centre of the maths office table, a place where we can refuel and discuss ideas for educating the international leaders of tomorrow. Full of healthy stuff--like whole grains, carrots, nuts, and raisins--and just enough sugar to be tasty (but less than the original recipe), they are brain food extraordinaire. Try them and see what great ideas you come up with (and please share in the comments below)!

Morning Glory Muffins
adapted from Whole Grain Baking
makes 12 medium and 12 small muffins

1/2 c raisins
2 c whole wheat flour
2/3 c packed brown sugar
2 t baking soda
2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t cloves
1/4 t nutmeg
1/2 t salt
2 c grated carrots
1 large apple, cored and grated
1/2 c unsweetened coconut
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1/3 c sunflower seeds
3 eggs
2/3 c vegetable oil
1/4 c orange juice
2 t vanilla extract

Pour hot water over the raisins and leave to soften while preparing the rest of the recipe.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix in the carrot, apple, coconut, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
In a small bowl, mix the eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Add to the dry ingredients and mix only until just combined.
Fill muffin cups and bake at 375 F (190 C) for 25-28 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.