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Star Find
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level 
Star Find
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?
The basic tile from the design above looks like this:
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.
Why do this problem?
This problem gives learners a chance to talk about similarities and differences, and also rotations and, in particular, quarter turns. These sheets may be useful to give to pairs or individuals:this sheet has $16$ copes of the basic tile and this sheet has a $4$ by $4$ grid which is the same size as the tiles.Key questions
What can you tell me about this pattern?
What is the same about these two tiles?
What is different about these two tiles?
How can we make this tile look the same as that one?
How will you arrange the tiles to make your own pattern?
Possible extension
Challenge children to make different repeating patterns using the tiles, or they could design their basic tile.Possible support
Learners could try the Turning Man problem first.You may also like
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.