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Problem | Teachers' Notes | Hint | Solution | Printable page |
Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Why do this problem?

Like so many investigations, this one is like a journey through a wood, where we encourage children to keep all their senses alert. As I've suggested in the introduction to this challenge there are a number of things you can explore. The activity could be done by those who have a good enquiring mind using a trial and improvement method. It has spatial and numerical possibilities and it would be very valuable for you to tease out from children the ways in which they imaged the whole process.

Possible approach

I think that presenting it as written, talking it through with learners, will be adequate and there should be opportunities for the pupils to ask further questions before trying to form solutions.

Key questions

Are you happy with the way that it folds?
How are you making sure the numbering is ok?

Possible extension

If the solutions have been recorded in some kind of 4 by 4 table - as one is shown in the problem - then the properties of that table can be explored.

For the highest-attaining

These pupils can look at the different ways in which the orginal large shee can be folded in order to give the $16$ pages. If solutions are found for each and every way of folding then the arrangement of the numbered pages onthe $A3$ sheet will need to be explored and relationships notes. Further work can then be done on producing 32 pages from the original sheet and the investigation followed in the same way.

Possible support

Some pupils will need help with getting into the physical understanding of the problem - for these pupils an already folded sheet may come in useful.


Published June 1998.