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.
problem
Possible Pieces
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
Can you create jigsaw pieces which are based on a square shape, with at least one peg and one hole?
problem
Favourite
One Big Triangle
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Make one big triangle so the numbers that touch on the small triangles add to 10.
problem
Favourite
If the World Were a Village
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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?
problem
Favourite
Little Man
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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?
problem
Favourite
Overlaps
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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.
problem
Circular Area
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
How could you find out the area of a circle? Take a look at these ways.
problem
Triangle transformation
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
Start with a triangle. Can you cut it up to make a rectangle?
problem
Bundles of Cubes
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
Watch this animation. What do you notice? What happens when you try more or fewer cubes in a bundle?
list
Look More Closely
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
These tasks encourage learners to look at a familiar context through a new lens.