Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
Can you recreate this Indian screen pattern? Can you make up similar patterns of your own?
Can you describe what happens in this film?
Here is a chance to create some attractive images by rotating shapes through multiples of 90 degrees, or 30 degrees, or 72 degrees or...
This practical problem challenges you to make quadrilaterals with a loop of string. You'll need some friends to help!
How many differently shaped rectangles can you build using these equilateral and isosceles triangles? Can you make a square?
Follow these instructions to make a five-pointed snowflake from a square of paper.
It's hard to make a snowflake with six perfect lines of symmetry, but it's fun to try!
What shapes can you make by folding an A4 piece of paper?
In how many ways can you fit two of these yellow triangles together? Can you predict the number of ways two blue triangles can be fitted together?
Can you deduce the pattern that has been used to lay out these bottle tops?
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?
The ancient Egyptians were said to make right-angled triangles using a rope with twelve equal sections divided by knots. What other triangles could you make if you had a rope like this?
This practical problem challenges you to create shapes and patterns with two different types of triangle. You could even try overlapping them.
Have you noticed that triangles are used in manmade structures? Perhaps there is a good reason for this? 'Test a Triangle' and see how rigid triangles are.
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?
Where can you put the mirror across the square so that you can still "see" the whole square? How many different positions are possible?
Can you cut a regular hexagon into two pieces to make a parallelogram? Try cutting it into three pieces to make a rhombus!
How many triangles can you make on the 3 by 3 pegboard?
Generate three random numbers to determine the side lengths of a triangle. What triangles can you draw?
The triangle ABC is equilateral. The arc AB has centre C, the arc BC has centre A and the arc CA has centre B. Explain how and why this shape can roll along between two parallel tracks.
This activity investigates how you might make squares and pentominoes from Polydron.
Here is a chance to create some Celtic knots and explore the mathematics behind them.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming playing the board game?
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 fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
Take a counter and surround it by a ring of other counters that MUST touch two others. How many are needed?
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an octagon in a square.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
You could use just coloured pencils and paper to create this design, but it will be more eye-catching if you can get hold of hammer, nails and string.
Starting with four different triangles, imagine you have an unlimited number of each type. How many different tetrahedra can you make? Convince us you have found them all.
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?
NRICH December 2006 advent calendar - a new tangram for each day in the run-up to Christmas.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
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.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this brazier for roasting chestnuts?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the child walking home from school?
Here is a solitaire type environment for you to experiment with. Which targets can you reach?
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
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?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
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?
Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.
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.
How can you make a curve from straight strips of paper?