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.

I'm Eight

Find a great variety of ways of asking questions which make 8.

Dice and Spinner Numbers

If you had any number of ordinary dice, what are the possible ways of making their totals 6? What would the product of the dice be each time?

Multiplication Square Jigsaw

Multiplication Square Jigsaw

Complete this jigsaw of the $1$ to $10$ multiplication square.

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You could print off this sheet of the square and the pieces to cut out.

Why do this problem?

This jigsaw is a great way to reinforce children's understanding of the sequences contained within the multiplication square, while it also provides a motivating context in which to practise their tables.

Possible approach

You could use this interactivity of the jigsaw as a whole class activity on an interactive whiteboard, inviting children to explain how they would start and then go on to complete the task altogether.

Alternatively, you could introduce the jigsaw to the whole group and then ask them to complete it in pairs, either at computers or by printing off and cutting out this sheet of the grid and pieces. The conversations they have amongst each other as they work will be well-worth listening in on as they will reveal any misconceptions but also inform you as to how well the children are able to reason mathematically.

Key questions

What is the pattern of the numbers in this column/row?
Which tables will you find this number in?
What is the smallest number in the table? Where would it go?
What is the biggest number in the table?
Can you see a pattern in the gaps you have left?

Possible extension

David Longman, a teacher at Holmemead Middle School, very kindly suggested the following activities which complement and extend this activity. This sheet is an unfinished tables square for children to complete. This Ripped-up Tables activity could be used as a follow-up to the Multiplication Square Jigsaw. Not only do pupils have to put the square together, they have to complete it first!

Possible support

At first, children may want to use a ready-made table square to help in doing the jigsaw before trying to do again (or trying later stages) without this aid.