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Well Balanced

Age 5 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem

A recent trip to a beach on the north-west coast of Scotland resulted in an engaging hour or so balancing pebbles. Exploring balance and centres of gravity can be great fun. The resulting structures can seem impossible.

Here are some images from Scotland to encourage you to experiment with non-breakable objects of your own.

Towering stones
Towering Stones

Picnic
Picnic

Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey


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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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