Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
In this challenge, you will work in a group to investigate circular fences enclosing trees that are planted in square or triangular arrangements.
What shapes can you make by folding an A4 piece of paper?
Did you know mazes tell stories? Find out more about mazes and make one of your own.
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.
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?
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?
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?
This practical problem challenges you to make quadrilaterals with a loop of string. You'll need some friends to help!
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?
Generate three random numbers to determine the side lengths of a triangle. What triangles can you draw?
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 outlines of the chairs?
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an octagon in a square.
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
Here is a solitaire type environment for you to experiment with. Which targets can you reach?
This practical problem challenges you to create shapes and patterns with two different types of triangle. You could even try overlapping them.
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 make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
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.
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.
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 outline of this shape. How would you describe it?
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?
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 brazier for roasting chestnuts?
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 Little Ming playing the board game?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
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?
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.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you recreate this Indian screen pattern? Can you make up similar patterns of your own?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
An activity making various patterns with 2 x 1 rectangular tiles.
How can you make a curve from straight strips of paper?
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.
The challenge for you is to make a string of six (or more!) graded cubes.
Can you each work out the number on your card? What do you notice? How could you sort the cards?
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?
Use the tangram pieces to make our pictures, or to design some of your own!
What is the largest number of circles we can fit into the frame without them overlapping? How do you know? What will happen if you try the other shapes?