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Four Layers

Stage: 1 and 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

This activity has been particularly created for the most able. (The pupils that you come across in many classrooms just once every few years.)

It may be used to follow on from  Cubes Here and There.
 


 3 of Four
Looking at the three models here you may see that they have a lot in common although they are obviously different.
The things that are the same produce the rules.
So the rules are;
$1$/  Each colour stays at the same level in each model.
$2$/ Cubes of the same colour are not separated - they stay together.
$3$/ The numbers of cubes for each colour is fixed at $1, 2, 3$ and $4$.
$4$/ The cubes sit squarely face to face with no twists or slides.
 
Your challenge is to create more shapes that follow the four rules.
When you have done so, compare them and show similarities and differences.

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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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.