The tasks in this feature use Cuisenaire rods to help learners visualise and explore the links to be made between proportionality, equivalence, comparison, difference and pattern. If you do not have physical rods, then our Cuisenaire environment will be a useful supplement.
interactivity
Cuisenaire environment
Age
5 to 16
Challenge level
An environment which simulates working with Cuisenaire rods.
problem
Cuisenaire counting
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Here are some rods that are different colours. How could I make a yellow rod using white and red rods?
problem
Same length trains
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
How many trains can you make which are the same length as Matt's and Katie's, using rods that are identical?
game
Train tactics
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
A train building game for two players. Can you be the one to complete the train?
problem
Rod fractions
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
Pick two rods of different colours. Given an unlimited supply of rods of each of the two colours, how can we work out what fraction the shorter rod is of the longer one?
problem
Rearranged rectangle
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
How many different rectangles can you make using this set of rods?
problem
Cuisenaire squares
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
These squares have been made from Cuisenaire rods. Can you describe the pattern? What would the next square look like?
problem
Rod ratios
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
Use the Cuisenaire rods environment to investigate ratio. Can you find pairs of rods in the ratio 3:2?