In this feature, we have chosen a selection of problems related to the theme of Codes and Codebreaking. The article Codebreakers has suggestions about how you can inspire your students through the exciting context of codes and spies to be curious about a wide range of mathematical ideas.
article
Codebreakers
This article for Primary and Secondary teachers is all about the mathematics behind solving puzzles, unravelling mysteries and breaking codes.
problem
Satisfying statements
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
Can you find any two-digit numbers that satisfy all of these statements?
problem
Statement snap
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
You'll need to know your number properties to win a game of Statement Snap...
problem
Charlie's delightful machine
Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you develop a strategy to work out the rules controlling each light?
problem
A little light thinking
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you make two lights switch on at once? Three lights? All four lights?
problem
Which spinners?
Age
14 to 18
Challenge level
Can you work out which spinners were used to generate the frequency charts?
problem
Data matching
Age
14 to 18
Challenge level
Use your skill and judgement to match the sets of random data.
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Teaching to reason with numbers
Age
11 to 18
Challenge level
These classroom resources aim to help students reason with numbers.
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Working with mental images
Age
11 to 18
Challenge level
Challenge your students to develop their visualisation skills by working on these tasks