NRICH December 2006 advent calendar - a new tangram for each day in the run-up to Christmas.
Our 2008 Advent Calendar has a 'Making Maths' activity for every day in the run-up to Christmas.
Factors and Multiples game for an adult and child. How can you make sure you win this game?
Can you predict when you'll be clapping and when you'll be clicking if you start this rhythm? How about when a friend begins a new rhythm at the same time?
Investigate the smallest number of moves it takes to turn these mats upside-down if you can only turn exactly three at a time.
Take a rectangle of paper and fold it in half, and half again, to make four smaller rectangles. How many different ways can you fold it up?
Make your own double-sided magic square. But can you complete both sides once you've made the pieces?
Can you each work out the number on your card? What do you notice? How could you sort the cards?
This was a problem for our birthday website. Can you use four of these pieces to form a square? How about making a square with all five pieces?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the lobster, yacht and cyclist?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the child walking home from school?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this brazier for roasting chestnuts?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming playing the board game?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the candle and sundial?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this goat and giraffe?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this plaque design?
Paint a stripe on a cardboard roll. Can you predict what will happen when it is rolled across a sheet of paper?
What is the greatest number of counters you can place on the grid below without four of them lying at the corners of a square?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the telescope and microscope?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of these rabbits?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of Mai Ling and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the workmen?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming and Little Fung dancing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this shape. How would you describe it?
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
Can you work out what shape is made by folding in this way? Why not create some patterns using this shape but in different sizes?
This problem invites you to build 3D shapes using two different triangles. Can you make the shapes from the pictures?
In how many ways can you fit two of these yellow triangles together? Can you predict the number of ways two blue triangles can be fitted together?
How can you put five cereal packets together to make different shapes if you must put them face-to-face?
For this task, you'll need an A4 sheet and two A5 transparent sheets. Decide on a way of arranging the A5 sheets on top of the A4 sheet and explore ...
The ancient Egyptians were said to make right-angled triangles using a rope with twelve equal sections divided by knots. What other triangles could you make if you had a rope like this?
These practical challenges are all about making a 'tray' and covering it with paper.
If these balls are put on a line with each ball touching the one in front and the one behind, which arrangement makes the shortest line of balls?
How many models can you find which obey these rules?
Exploring and predicting folding, cutting and punching holes and making spirals.
Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.
Using different numbers of sticks, how many different triangles are you able to make? Can you make any rules about the numbers of sticks that make the most triangles?
Here is a solitaire type environment for you to experiment with. Which targets can you reach?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
What happens to the area of a square if you double the length of the sides? Try the same thing with rectangles, diamonds and other shapes. How do the four smaller ones fit into the larger one?
Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
Use the lines on this figure to show how the square can be divided into 2 halves, 3 thirds, 6 sixths and 9 ninths.
An activity making various patterns with 2 x 1 rectangular tiles.
Here's a simple way to make a Tangram without any measuring or ruling lines.