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This feature for Secondary teachers offers a collection of activities intended to encourage students to think and plan strategically. Students are required to think ahead and analyse the outcomes, in a variety of playful contexts.
You can watch a recording of the webinar in which we discussed the mathematical thinking which may be prompted by these games.
game
Phiddlywinks
Have a go at this version of John Conway's game. Do you have any good strategies for winning?
problem
Favourite
Olympic records
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
Can you deduce which Olympic athletics events are represented by the graphs?
problem
Favourite
Olympic measures
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
These Olympic quantities have been jumbled up! Can you put them back together again?
problem
Latin lilies
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
In this game you are challenged to gain more columns of lily pads than your opponent.
game
Last biscuit
Can you find a strategy that ensures you get to take the last biscuit in this game?
problem
Crossing the bridge
Age
11 to 18
Challenge level
Four friends must cross a bridge. How can they all cross it in just 17 minutes?
article
Phiddlywinks - a tribute to John Conway
Read this article to find out more about the inspiration for NRICH's game, Phiddlywinks.