You may also like

Prompt Cards

These two group activities use mathematical reasoning - one is numerical, one geometric.

Consecutive Numbers

An investigation involving adding and subtracting sets of consecutive numbers. Lots to find out, lots to explore.

Exploring Wild & Wonderful Number Patterns

EWWNP means Exploring Wild and Wonderful Number Patterns Created by Yourself! Investigate what happens if we create number patterns using some simple rules.

Calendar Patterns

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

Below is a copy of a calendar for 2008 showing December.
Put a square box around the 1st , 2nd , 8th and 9th .
Choose two of the numbers and add them together.
Choose another pair and add them. Keep going until you have made all the pairs.
What do you notice about the answers?

Put a box around another set of four numbers and try this again.

Look for other patterns.

Try multiplying - perhaps you could use a calculator to help.

What happens in other months?


The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.
Copyright © 1997 - 2023. University of Cambridge. All rights reserved.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.