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Using National Young Mathematicians' Award tasks to develop problem-solving and group-working skills

NRICH has worked with Explore Learning since 2010 to hold the annual National Young Mathematicians' Award (NYMA). This feature offers guidance on using the NYMA tasks for developing problem-solving and group-working skills.

The article gives more detail about the NYMA and outlines what we consider to be key problem-solving and group-working skills.  We draw attention to a range of tasks, originally written for the NYMA, which will help you support learners in developing this range of skills.

Six Ten Total
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Six ten total

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This challenge combines addition, multiplication, perseverance and even proof.
Six Numbered Cubes
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Six numbered cubes

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This task combines spatial awareness with addition and multiplication.
Display Boards
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Display boards

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Design an arrangement of display boards in the school hall which fits the requirements of different people.
The Dice Train
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The dice train

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This dice train has been made using specific rules. How many different trains can you make?
Cover the tray
problem

Cover the tray

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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These practical challenges are all about making a 'tray' and covering it with paper.
Ribbon Squares
problem
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Ribbon squares

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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What is the largest 'ribbon square' you can make? And the smallest? How many different squares can you make altogether?