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 article introduces the idea of generic proof for younger children and illustrates how one example can offer a proof of a general result through unpacking its underlying structure.
Take it in turns to place a domino on the grid. One to be placed horizontally and the other vertically. Can you make it impossible for your opponent to play?
A variant on the game Alquerque
Move just three of the circles so that the triangle faces in the opposite direction.
Exchange the positions of the two sets of counters in the least possible number of moves
Imagine a wheel with different markings painted on it at regular intervals. Can you predict the colour of the 18th mark? The 100th mark?
You have 4 red and 5 blue counters. How many ways can they be placed on a 3 by 3 grid so that all the rows columns and diagonals have an even number of red counters?
How can the same pieces of the tangram make this bowl before and after it was chipped? Use the interactivity to try and work out what is going on!
An extension of noughts and crosses in which the grid is enlarged and the length of the winning line can to altered to 3, 4 or 5.
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 chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the child walking home from school?
A shape and space game for 2,3 or 4 players. Be the last person to be able to place a pentomino piece on the playing board. Play with card, or on the computer.
Investigate how the four L-shapes fit together to make an enlarged L-shape. You could explore this idea with other shapes too.
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 watering can and man in a boat?
Which of these dice are right-handed and which are left-handed?
Here are shadows of some 3D shapes. What shapes could have made them?
How many balls of modelling clay and how many straws does it take to make these skeleton shapes?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you find ways of joining cubes together so that 28 faces are visible?
Think of a number, square it and subtract your starting number. Is the number you’re left with odd or even? How do the images help to explain this?
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?
Exploring and predicting folding, cutting and punching holes and making spirals.
Eight children each had a cube made from modelling clay. They cut them into four pieces which were all exactly the same shape and size. Whose pieces are the same? Can you decide who made each set?
Make one big triangle so the numbers that touch on the small triangles add to 10. You could use the interactivity to help you.
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 brazier for roasting chestnuts?
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 Little Ming playing the board game?
A game for 2 players. Given a board of dots in a grid pattern, players take turns drawing a line by connecting 2 adjacent dots. Your goal is to complete more squares than your opponent.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the workmen?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the telescope and microscope?
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 these rabbits?
A game for two players. You'll need some counters.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this plaque design?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Can you see why 2 by 2 could be 5? Can you predict what 2 by 10 will be?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Granma T?
Imagine a 3 by 3 by 3 cube. If you and a friend drill holes in some of the small cubes in the ways described, how many will have holes drilled through them?
Can you work out what is wrong with the cogs on a UK 2 pound coin?
Create a pattern on the left-hand grid. How could you extend your pattern on the right-hand grid?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the rocket?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
In each of the pictures the invitation is for you to: Count what you see. Identify how you think the pattern would continue.
Here's a simple way to make a Tangram without any measuring or ruling lines.