Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
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?
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.
Surprise your friends with this magic square trick.
Follow these instructions to make a five-pointed snowflake from a square of paper.
Make a mobius band and investigate its properties.
Using these kite and dart templates, you could try to recreate part of Penrose's famous tessellation or design one yourself.
Make a ball from triangles!
Did you know mazes tell stories? Find out more about mazes and make one of your own.
Follow these instructions to make a three-piece and/or seven-piece tangram.
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.
Ideas for practical ways of representing data such as Venn and Carroll diagrams.
Make new patterns from simple turning instructions. You can have a go using pencil and paper or with a floor robot.
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
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?
Make a cube with three strips of paper. Colour three faces or use the numbers 1 to 6 to make a die.
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an octagon in a square.
It's hard to make a snowflake with six perfect lines of symmetry, but it's fun to try!
Have a go at drawing these stars which use six points drawn around a circle. Perhaps you can create your own designs?
Here are some ideas to try in the classroom for using counters to investigate number patterns.
What shapes can you make by folding an A4 piece of paper?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
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 clocks?
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 Little Fung at the table?
Take a counter and surround it by a ring of other counters that MUST touch two others. How many are needed?
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?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of Mai Ling and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the telescope and microscope?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this goat and giraffe?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this plaque design?
How many different cuboids can you make when you use four CDs or DVDs? How about using five, then six?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of these rabbits?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming and Little Fung dancing?
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 outlines of the candle and sundial?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the workmen?
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 outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.
In this challenge, you will work in a group to investigate circular fences enclosing trees that are planted in square or triangular arrangements.
Use the lines on this figure to show how the square can be divided into 2 halves, 3 thirds, 6 sixths and 9 ninths.
These squares have been made from Cuisenaire rods. Can you describe the pattern? What would the next square look like?
Exploring and predicting folding, cutting and punching holes and making spirals.
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?
What are the next three numbers in this sequence? Can you explain why are they called pyramid numbers?
This problem invites you to build 3D shapes using two different triangles. Can you make the shapes from the pictures?