Skip over navigation
Cambridge University Faculty of Mathematics NRich logo
menu search
  • Teachers expand_more
    • Early years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
    • Events
    • Professional development
  • Students expand_more
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Parents expand_more
    • Early Years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Problem-Solving Schools
  • About NRICH expand_more
    • About us
    • Impact stories
    • Support us
    • Our funders
    • Contact us
  • search

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

  • The Number System and Place Value
  • Calculations and Numerical Methods
  • Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
  • Properties of Numbers
  • Patterns, Sequences and Structure
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
  • Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

  • Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
  • 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
  • Measuring and calculating with units
  • Transformations and constructions
  • Pythagoras and Trigonometry
  • Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

  • Handling, Processing and Representing Data
  • Probability

Working mathematically

  • Thinking mathematically
  • Developing positive attitudes
  • Cross-curricular contexts

Advanced mathematics

  • Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics
  • Mechanics
  • Calculus

For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

I Wonder ...?

I wonder ...?

Do you ever find yourself asking 'I wonder what would happen if ...? We have chosen some tasks that we think you will really enjoy and want to solve!

What Was in the Box? 
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level Yellow star

This big box adds something to any number that goes into it. If you know the numbers that come out, what addition might be going on in the box?

Break it Up! 
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow star

In how many different ways can you break up a stick of seven interlocking cubes? Now try with a stick of eight cubes and a stick of six cubes. What do you notice?

Holes 
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow star

I've made some cubes and some cubes with holes in. This challenge invites you to explore the difference in the number of small cubes I've used. Can you see any patterns?

Four Triangles Puzzle 
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow star

Cut four triangles from a square as shown in the picture. How many different shapes can you make by fitting the four triangles back together?

Related

  • Puzzling with Paper
  • Mathematical Habits of Mind

You may also like

Digging Into Geometry

Dig deeply into geometrical ideas by having a go at the tasks in this Primary student feature.

Playing with Dice

Find a friend and play our dice games.

LP Student Latest

Latest list for the L Primary Students

  • Tech help
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • Twitter X logo

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.

University of Cambridge logo NRICH logo