Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
A brief video looking at how you can sometimes use symmetry to distinguish knots. Can you use this idea to investigate the differences between the granny knot and the reef knot?
Watch the video to see how to fold a square of paper to create a flower. What fraction of the piece of paper is the small triangle?
If you'd like to know more about Primary Maths Masterclasses, this is the package to read! Find out about current groups in your region or how to set up your own.
Kaia is sure that her father has worn a particular tie twice a week in at least five of the last ten weeks, but her father disagrees. Who do you think is right?
Can you see which tile is the odd one out in this design? Using the basic tile, can you make a repeating pattern to decorate our wall?
Using different numbers of sticks, how many different triangles are you able to make? Can you make any rules about the numbers of sticks that make the most triangles?
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an octagon in a square.
Let's say you can only use two different lengths - 2 units and 4 units. Using just these 2 lengths as the edges how many different cuboids can you make?
This practical problem challenges you to create shapes and patterns with two different types of triangle. You could even try overlapping them.
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
Kimie and Sebastian were making sticks from interlocking cubes and lining them up. Can they make their lines the same length? Can they make any other lines?
NRICH December 2006 advent calendar - a new tangram for each day in the run-up to Christmas.
Investigate the smallest number of moves it takes to turn these mats upside-down if you can only turn exactly three at a time.
An activity making various patterns with 2 x 1 rectangular tiles.
Ideas for practical ways of representing data such as Venn and Carroll diagrams.
Here's a simple way to make a Tangram without any measuring or ruling lines.
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
Can you recreate this Indian screen pattern? Can you make up similar patterns of your own?
These are pictures of the sea defences at New Brighton. Can you work out what a basic shape might be in both images of the sea wall and work out a way they might fit together?
Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the lobster, yacht and cyclist?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the child walking home from school?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this shape. How would you describe it?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the candle and sundial?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of Mai Ling and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this brazier for roasting chestnuts?
Take 5 cubes of one colour and 2 of another colour. How many different ways can you join them if the 5 must touch the table and the 2 must not touch the table?
What happens to the area of a square if you double the length of the sides? Try the same thing with rectangles, diamonds and other shapes. How do the four smaller ones fit into the larger one?
Where can you put the mirror across the square so that you can still "see" the whole square? How many different positions are possible?
Have a go at drawing these stars which use six points drawn around a circle. Perhaps you can create your own designs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
This problem focuses on Dienes' Logiblocs. What is the same and what is different about these pairs of shapes? Can you describe the shapes in the picture?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming playing the board game?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Use the three triangles to fill these outline shapes. Perhaps you can create some of your own shapes for a friend to fill?
In this challenge, you will work in a group to investigate circular fences enclosing trees that are planted in square or triangular arrangements.
This practical activity challenges you to create symmetrical designs by cutting a square into strips.
How can you make a curve from straight strips of paper?
Can you lay out the pictures of the drinks in the way described by the clue cards?
The challenge for you is to make a string of six (or more!) graded cubes.
Take a rectangle of paper and fold it in half, and half again, to make four smaller rectangles. How many different ways can you fold it up?
Can you each work out the number on your card? What do you notice? How could you sort the cards?
Make new patterns from simple turning instructions. You can have a go using pencil and paper or with a floor robot.
This is a simple paper-folding activity that gives an intriguing result which you can then investigate further.
A group of children are discussing the height of a tall tree. How would you go about finding out its height?
How do you know if your set of dominoes is complete?