TES Maths ROTW: Grid sums puzzles

TES Maths Resource of the Week

Resource title: Grid sums puzzles

Resource author: stroevey

What is it?

Like all of the best puzzles, the concept of a grid sum is simple. All you really need to do is add a few numbers together.

But to master these puzzles takes great flair, creativity and perseverance, as well as strong mental arithmetic.

How can it be used?

As the basic mechanics of the puzzle are easy to understand, this resource can be used with all age groups and abilities. Not only are my lower-ability Year 7s big fans, but also my Year 11s and even my sixth-form further mathematicians.

For the older pupils, it's the challenge of creating the biggest answer possible, proving it, moving onto larger grids and adapting the rules in a host of different ways that makes it exciting for them.
 

Craig Barton

Craig is a secondary maths teacher in the North of England.