Magic rectangles
15 min
1 participantRecognize and understand geometric relationships; improve math efficiency. Find the magic number!
Let's play!
Build a rectangle on the base plate with 3 rows that include 3 bricks in each row.
Make it a magic rectangle by rearranging the bricks until each row and column of bricks added together equals the magic number 6.
How to prepare
1 base plate
9 number bricks (3 of each of the numbers “1”, “2” and “3”)
1 number sign brick
1 bowl
Place the number sign brick on the top left corner of the base plate to indicate that the bricks represent numbers.
Place the other bricks in the bowl.
Facilitation tips
Suggest extra space between bricks for easier manipulation.
Demonstrate and explain examples of a non-magic and a magic rectangle.
Ask “What make this is a magic rectangle?”.
Ask “What was your strategy for completing the activity?”.
Possible variations
Create a magic rectangle with 2 missing bricks.
Change composition of magic rectangles with the same 9 bricks.
Create a magic rectangle with number bricks “1” to “9”.
Construct a rectangle with number bricks “1” to “16” to create a 4 x 4 shape -magic number equals 34.
Download & print
Children will develop these holistic skills
cognitive skills
- Solve problems: Solve problems that require the organization of multiple data or the construction of an approach that combines reasoning steps (addition and subtraction, missing number problems, using number facts, place value, involving multiplication and division, using materials, arrays, repeated addition; using simple fractions, integers, decimals)
- Tell, express, analyse: Explain process of doing, playing
physical skills
- Recognize real situations that can be modeled by geometric relationships (alignment, parallelism, perpendicularity, symmetry)
- Develop tactile tracking skills: Use both hands to track across broken lines on a page and identify space between lines
social skills
- Plan and carry out routine or non-routine activities requiring multiple steps
Did you know?
Numeracy is not only about numbers : it also relies on self-regulation or executive functions and spatial skills.
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Braille activity groups
LEGO® Braille Bricks activities: CHARACTERS
Learn braille letters, numbers, mathematic symbols and punctuation signs and know how to read and write them.
LEGO® Braille Bricks activities: LITERACY
Assemble characters brick by brick and play with words in order to develop the ability to read and write.
LEGO® Braille Bricks activities: NUMERACY
Assemble characters, play with numbers and develop the ability to do basic mathematics and geometry.
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