Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
Generate three random numbers to determine the side lengths of a triangle. What triangles can you draw?
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?
Use the interactivity to play two of the bells in a pattern. How do you know when it is your turn to ring, and how do you know which bell to ring?
You have 27 small cubes, 3 each of nine colours. Use the small cubes to make a 3 by 3 by 3 cube so that each face of the bigger cube contains one of every colour.
How can you make an angle of 60 degrees by folding a sheet of paper twice?
Here is a solitaire type environment for you to experiment with. Which targets can you reach?
Delight your friends with this cunning trick! Can you explain how it works?
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.
Use the interactivity to listen to the bells ringing a pattern. Now it's your turn! Play one of the bells yourself. How do you know when it is your turn to ring?
In this article for teachers, Bernard uses some problems to suggest that once a numerical pattern has been spotted from a practical starting point, going back to the practical can help explain. . . .
A game to make and play based on the number line.
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 practical problem challenges you to make quadrilaterals with a loop of string. You'll need some friends to help!
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming playing the board game?
What are the next three numbers in this sequence? Can you explain why are they called pyramid numbers?
Our 2008 Advent Calendar has a 'Making Maths' activity for every day in the run-up to Christmas.
Make a spiral mobile.
Make a clinometer and use it to help you estimate the heights of tall objects.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Mai Ling?
Exploring and predicting folding, cutting and punching holes and making spirals.
It might seem impossible but it is possible. How can you cut a playing card to make a hole big enough to walk through?
Take a counter and surround it by a ring of other counters that MUST touch two others. How many are needed?
This problem invites you to build 3D shapes using two different triangles. Can you make the shapes from the pictures?
Time for a little mathemagic! Choose any five cards from a pack and show four of them to your partner. How can they work out the fifth?
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 Mai Ling and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the candle and sundial?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the lobster, yacht and cyclist?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
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 the workmen?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming and Little Fung dancing?
Use the lines on this figure to show how the square can be divided into 2 halves, 3 thirds, 6 sixths and 9 ninths.
How is it possible to predict the card?
Paint a stripe on a cardboard roll. Can you predict what will happen when it is rolled across a sheet of paper?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this plaque design?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this goat and giraffe?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of these rabbits?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the telescope and microscope?
Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.
These models have appeared around the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. Perhaps you would like to try to make some similar models of your own.
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
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.
A jigsaw where pieces only go together if the fractions are equivalent.
I start with a red, a green and a blue marble. I can trade any of my marbles for two others, one of each colour. Can I end up with five more blue marbles than red after a number of such trades?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming?