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Construct-o-straws

Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.

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Matchsticks

Reasoning about the number of matches needed to build squares that share their sides.

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Tangram Paradox

How can the same pieces of the tangram make this bowl before and after it was chipped? Use the interactivity to try and work out what is going on!

Playground Snapshot

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

The image below is part of a piece of equipment found in the playground of a London school.

Playground frame

  • What do you think it is used for?
  • What is the shape of its base?
  • How would you describe it to someone over the phone?
  • Where was the sun, that created such strong shadows, in relation to the 3D structure?

Try to draw a picture of the whole structure from the information you have.

You might also like to make a model of it and shine a light onto it to reproduce all the shadows.


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.