Build it Up

Why do this problem?

This activity was initially developed for Wild Maths, our sister site, to encourage learners to be creative mathematicians. Mathematics is certainly a creative subject. It involves spotting patterns, making connections, finding new ways of looking at things and using what you already know in new contexts. Creative mathematicians play around with examples, draw pictures, have the courage to experiment and ask good questions.  (Wild Maths is aimed at individual learners, rather than teachers so the notes below only appear on NRICH.)

Possible approach

When the simple rules have been outlined and the example worked through some pupils may be happy recording their trials on paper. I have found that some like to have little circles of paper/plastic/wood that they can write numbers on and so place them accordingly.

When a number of solutions have been found some good discussions may be had with the pupils sharing their observations as to what they notice and what does not work.

Key questions

Tell me about what's happening with the ideas you've tried.
Tell me about what's happening here (where they are at at the moment)

Possible extension

Some children might enjoy having a go at Build it Up More.

Possible support

If some pupils do not have a steady hand or need help with keeping a record of what they've done, some adult support may be required.