List

Adventures into the Unknown

When we meet something for the first time, we are curious to know more. These activities offer novel mathematical situations which we hope will provoke learners' sense of awe and wonder.

One Big Triangle
problem
Favourite

One Big Triangle

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star

Make one big triangle so the numbers that touch on the small triangles add to 10.

If the World Were a Village
problem
Favourite

If the World Were a Village

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star

This activity is based on data in the book 'If the World Were a Village'. How will you represent your chosen data for maximum effect?

Possible Pieces
problem

Possible Pieces

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Can you create jigsaw pieces which are based on a square shape, with at least one peg and one hole?
Little Man
problem
Favourite

Little Man

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
The Man is much smaller than us. Can you use the picture of him next to a mug to estimate his height and how much tea he drinks?
Overlaps
problem
Favourite

Overlaps

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star

What does the overlap of these two shapes look like? Try picturing it in your head and then use some cut-out shapes to test your prediction.

Circular Area
problem

Circular Area

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
How could you find out the area of a circle? Take a look at these ways.
Triangle transformation
problem

Triangle transformation

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Start with a triangle. Can you cut it up to make a rectangle?
Bundles of Cubes
problem

Bundles of Cubes

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
Watch this animation. What do you notice? What happens when you try more or fewer cubes in a bundle?
Look More Closely
list

Look More Closely

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
These tasks encourage learners to look at a familiar context through a new lens.