World of Tan 25 - Pentominoes

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2
Children you might like to:
  • Find the twelve animals that Little Ming and Little Fung are searching for.
  • Explore which of the animals could if joined together, be folded up to make a box.
  • Discuss with others what it means to be systematic and try to decide if you work systematically.
  • What if Little Ming and Little Fung had used six squares and NOT five - how many animals are now possible? How many of these animals could if joined together, make boxes with lids?
Parents you might like to:
  • Help find the twelve animals.
  • Talk about the things you do systematically about the house and at work.
  • Explore those times when you don't work systematically.
  • List the words that best describe how you and others work.
  • Devise ways of gauging how good a listener your youngster is.
Teachers you might like to:
  • Help find the twelve animals.
  • Examine the different ways in which they can be sorted and classified.
  • Explore the whole notion of being systematic, especially in counting. e.g. Using six squares and not five. Does this relate to the easier(?) problem of using only four squares?
  • Consider what other ways of working there are.
  • Explore the work habits of others. Is there such a thing as 'best practice'?
  • Devise ways of testing the listening capabilities of your pupils.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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