Working systematically

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Encouraging primary children to work systematically

This article for primary teachers suggests ways in which to help children become better at working systematically.
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The problem-solving classroom

Age

5 to 11

Challenge level
problem
Fence it

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

If you have only 40 metres of fencing available, what is the maximum area of land you can fence off?
problem
Perimeter possibilities

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

I'm thinking of a rectangle with an area of 24. What could its perimeter be?
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Binomial coefficients

An introduction to the binomial coefficient, and exploration of some of the formulae it satisfies.
problem
Sorted

Age

14 to 18

Challenge level

How can you quickly sort a suit of cards in order from Ace to King?
problem
Odds and evens made fair

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

In this follow-up to the problem Odds and Evens, we invite you to analyse a probability situation in order to find the general solution for a fair game.
problem
Hidden squares

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Can you find the squares hidden on these coordinate grids?
problem
Interpolating polynomials

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Given a set of points (x,y) with distinct x values, find a polynomial that goes through all of them, then prove some results about the existence and uniqueness of these polynomials.
problem
The fastest cyclist

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Andy is desperate to reach John o'Groats first. Can you devise a winning race plan?