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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Star Find

Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions
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Here is a grid made up of $9$ squares. All of them are the same except for one. Can you find the odd one out?

Grid of 9 squares, with patterns.

The basic tile from the design above looks like this:

Basic tile design.

In the star design, the tile has been turned around, or rotated , into different positions.
Below is a wall of $16$ blank tiles. Using the basic tile, can you make a repeating pattern to decorate our wall? Try making more designs by rotating the tile and using it in more than one position.

Grid of 16 squares.


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Hexpentas

How many different ways can you find of fitting five hexagons together? How will you know you have found all the ways?

Exploded Squares

This practical activity challenges you to create symmetrical designs by cutting a square into strips.

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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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