What is the largest number of circles we can fit into the frame
without them overlapping? How do you know? What will happen if you
try the other shapes?
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?
These pictures show squares split into halves. Can you find other ways?
Our 2008 Advent Calendar has a 'Making Maths' activity for every
day in the run-up to Christmas.
If you split the square into these two pieces, it is possible to fit the pieces together again to make a new shape. How many new shapes can you make?
This practical investigation invites you to make tessellating
shapes in a similar way to the artist Escher.
In this challenge, you will work in a group to investigate circular
fences enclosing trees that are planted in square or triangular
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?
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
Use the three triangles to fill these outline shapes. Perhaps you can create some of your own shapes for a friend to fill?
Here is a version of the game 'Happy Families' for you to make and
This problem focuses on Dienes' Logiblocs. What is the same and
what is different about these pairs of shapes? Can you describe the
shapes in the picture?
How many different cuboids can you make when you use four CDs or
DVDs? How about using five, then six?
Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most
unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a
NRICH December 2006 advent calendar - a new tangram for each day in
the run-up to Christmas.
We went to the cinema and decided to buy some bags of popcorn so we
asked about the prices. Investigate how much popcorn each bag holds
so find out which we might have bought.
Can you make the birds from the egg tangram?
Exploring and predicting folding, cutting and punching holes and
Try continuing these patterns made from triangles. Can you create
your own repeating pattern?
Explore the triangles that can be made with seven sticks of the
A group of children are discussing the height of a tall tree. How would you go about finding out its height?
These practical challenges are all about making a 'tray' and covering it with paper.
Can you create more models that follow these rules?
Is there a best way to stack cans? What do different supermarkets
do? How high can you safely stack the cans?
Arrange your fences to make the largest rectangular space you can. Try with four fences, then five, then six etc.
Can you recreate this Indian screen pattern? Can you make up
similar patterns of your own?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
Can you see which tile is the odd one out in this design? Using the
basic tile, can you make a repeating pattern to decorate our wall?
This practical problem challenges you to create shapes and patterns
with two different types of triangle. You could even try
If you'd like to know more about Primary Maths Masterclasses, this
is the package to read! Find out about current groups in your
region or how to set up your own.
Kaia is sure that her father has worn a particular tie twice a week
in at least five of the last ten weeks, but her father disagrees.
Who do you think is right?
You will need a long strip of paper for this task. Cut it into different lengths. How could you find out how long each piece is?
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an
octagon in a square.
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?
This practical activity involves measuring length/distance.
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 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 the chairs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this shape. How would you describe it?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of Mai Ling and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
In this activity focusing on capacity, you will need a collection of different jars and bottles.
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this brazier for roasting chestnuts?
Take 5 cubes of one colour and 2 of another colour. How many
different ways can you join them if the 5 must touch the table and
the 2 must not touch the table?
Here's a simple way to make a Tangram without any measuring or