Sport - June 2012, All Stages

The Olympics are getting closer! What maths can you find in these activities, devised with the help of Professor John Barrow? And don't forget we have a sister website dedicated to Maths and Sport at sport.maths.org

Problems

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Opening Patterns

Stage: 1 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Look at some of the patterns in the Olympic Opening ceremonies and see what shapes you can spot.

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Can You Do it Too?

Stage: 1 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Try some throwing activities and see whether you can throw something as far as the Olympic hammer or discus throwers.

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Who Can Be the Winner?

Stage: 1 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Some children have been doing different tasks. Can you see who was the winner?

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Olympic Starters

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Look at some of the results from the Olympic Games in the past. How do you compare if you try some similar activities?

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Now and Then

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Look at the changes in results on some of the athletics track events at the Olympic Games in 1908 and 1948. Compare the results for 2012.

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Olympic Turns

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

This task looks at the different turns involved in different Olympic sports as a way of exploring the mathematics of turns and angles.

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Olympic Measures

Stage: 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

These Olympic quantities have been jumbled up! Can you put them back together again?

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Olympic Logic

Stage: 3 and 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Can you use your powers of logic and deduction to work out the missing information in these sporty situations?

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Nutrition and Cycling

Stage: 3 and 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Andy wants to cycle from Land's End to John o'Groats. Will he be able to eat enough to keep him going?

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Olympic Triathlon

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Is it the fastest swimmer, the fastest runner or the fastest cyclist who wins the Olympic Triathlon?

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The Fastest Cyclist

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Andy is desperate to reach John o'Groats first. Can you devise a winning race plan?

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Alternative Record Book

Stage: 4 and 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

In which Olympic event does a human travel fastest? Decide which events to include in your Alternative Record Book.

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Stadium Sightline

Stage: 4 and 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

How would you design the tiering of seats in a stadium so that all spectators have a good view?

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Angle of Shot

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

At what angle should you release the shot to break Olympic records?

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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