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Playing with Cuisenaire

The activities in this feature all make use of Cuisenaire rods, which are blocks coloured according to their length. We hope you enjoy being playful with the rods as they help you uncover and connect some important mathematical ideas. Don't worry if you haven't got any rods of your own as you could use our interactive Cuisenaire environment.

Cuisenaire Counting
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

Here are some rods that are different colours. How could I make a yellow rod using white and red rods?

Same Length Trains
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

How many trains can you make which are the same length as Matt's and Katie's, using rods that are identical?

Cuisenaire Environment
Age 5 to 16
Challenge Level

An environment which simulates working with Cuisenaire rods.

Train Tactics
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

A train building game for two players. Can you be the one to complete the train?

Rearranged Rectangle
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

How many different rectangles can you make using this set of rods?

Cuisenaire Squares
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

These squares have been made from Cuisenaire rods. Can you describe the pattern? What would the next square look like?

Rod Ratios
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

Use the Cuisenaire rods environment to investigate ratio. Can you find pairs of rods in the ratio 3:2?

Rod Fractions
Age 7 to 14
Challenge Level

Pick two rods of different colours. Given an unlimited supply of rods of each of the two colours, how can we work out what fraction the shorter rod is of the longer one?

Number and algebra

Geometry and measure

Probability and statistics

Working mathematically

Advanced mathematics

For younger learners

Playing with Cuisenaire