Roll over the Dice

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

I found it good to just show the video and ask the pupils what it is they notice. This way, you can establish what is happening and discuss the 'rules' of the activity.  When the simple rules have been agreed, some pupils may be happy recording their trials on paper.

When they have completed the 25 squares they can offer you further observations. When all observations have been shared and discussed it's a matter of asking them to suggest one small change in the instructions and to carry out their new versions (each child maybe making their own changes). Then further sharing and discussing is important.

Key questions

What changes have you made?
Tell me about what you've noticed in your new version.

Possible extension

Can they make predictions about what the results will be following their change in the game (the dimensions of the rectangle, the way the dice moves etc.)? 

Possible support

Some children may need help recording their routes and/or manipulating the dice.