Smileys (algebra, patterns)

Smileys (algebra, patterns)

Smileys (Daniel Hodgins & Mason Philips, 2021) The Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival has an app that offers a playful start: https://jrmf.org/puzzle/smileys/ I like this activity as an algebraic exercise. I have not proven the solutions presented in the video...
Bumpy Wheel (multiplication)

Bumpy Wheel (multiplication)

Bumpy Wheel (MathPickle 2022) Bumpy Wheel is a two-player game. Setup: Put an even number of dots in a circle. Copy this pattern so both players have it.  Rules: 1) On your opponent’s dots: Secretly place consecutive integers starting at zero. They can...
Kitchen Tile War (counting, comparing)

Kitchen Tile War (counting, comparing)

Kitchen Tile War (MathPickle 2022) Grade 2+ tiling puzzle. Teaches students organization and presentation of their ideas. Some grade 2 students will have dexterity issues in trying to draw these tiles, but the mathematics of comparing the sizes works well for them....
ConVexed (clockwise, convexity, word puzzle)

ConVexed (clockwise, convexity, word puzzle)

ConVexed (MathPickle 2021) I’m not used to designing word puzzles, but this one is cute and allows your class to discuss terms like “clockwise”, “counter-clockwise” as well as getting creative and designing your own puzzles. Here is a pdf...
Colouring Ukraine (place value)

Colouring Ukraine (place value)

Coloring Ukraine (MathPickle 2022) This Feb 2022 activity is rooted in sad world events, but it simultaneously celebrates the tradition of beautiful map colouring puzzles.  Here is a map to colour (you’ll need to choose “File” then “Make a...