by MathPickle | Apr 4, 2017 |
The big square is squeeze-packed according to a strict set of rules called an algorithm. Let’s call this algorithm Square Sardine Packing. Can you figure out how it works in this big 9×9 square? Here is Square Sardine Packing on a 12×12 square. Try to...
by MathPickle | Apr 3, 2017 |
Buy Hula Hoops of four colors for your age 5-8 math class! Spread a bunch of them out on the floor in this hexagonal arrangement. For children aged 6+ give them one of the paper Hula Hoop Mazes found in the pdf below. The hard objective is to randomly choose two of...
by MathPickle | Feb 28, 2017 |
Go (2 players; 1 hour; ages 8+) Go should fill maybe half the grade 2 or 3 math curriculum. The logic, pattern recognition, memorization and problem solving are more important than what is taught in most math classrooms. The game does not have to be played on this...
by MathPickle | Feb 27, 2017 |
Jumping Frogs (MathPickle, 2017) The last puzzle in the video above was solved in 2025 by Joseph Burke, a student in Megan McKee’s grade 4 class. Spoiler alert! Here it is… Jumping Frogs is a fantastic base to create both casual and complex puzzles. We...
by MathPickle | Feb 17, 2017 |
Pollinator puzzles help students with multiplication, division and problem solving. I often emphasize the nasty stinger on the bee to recalcitrant boys just to engage them viscerally 😉 Forgive me! lol The class starts by collectively solving a puzzle. Here they must...
