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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Regular Rings 1

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Teachers' Resources

Below is a picture of an unfolded piece of paper. 
Can you work out what shape is made when it's folded up using the crease pattern shown?



Click below if you want to see the shape.




Can you make one of these shapes with a new piece of paper?

Now make several of the same shape from A4, A5 and A6 pieces of paper in two contrasting colours.

Challenge 1
Take a large and small shape made from your first colour and a medium shape made from your second colour.

Make a pattern from your shapes, by laying them on top of each other, that fits both of these rules:
You must be able to see at least part of each shape.
All three shapes must fit inside the perimeter (outline) of the largest shape.

Challenge 2
Use a new large, medium and small shape to recreate the same pattern but in opposite colours from Challenge 1.

Place these two patterns next to each other and continue to fold and add to your pattern until you've made a ring. 

Can you predict how many of your original Challenge 1 pattern you will need?

We would love to see photos of the ring you make.

If you enjoyed these challenges, why not have a go at Regular Rings 2?

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Construct-o-straws

Make a cube out of straws and have a go at this practical challenge.

Matchsticks

Reasoning about the number of matches needed to build squares that share their sides.

Little Boxes

How many different cuboids can you make when you use four CDs or DVDs? How about using five, then six?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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