giant fractal build:
In fractal shapes, the pattern you see in the whole shape is repeated within the shape at a smaller scale. And within those smaller parts of the shape, the patterns are repeated again at an even smaller scale. This process goes on forever, until the pattern is repeated at infinitesimally small scales. The Inside Maths logo includes the fractal called the Sierpinski Triangle (complete only to Level 2 – we’d have to continue the pattern forever for it to be truly fractal)!
In this hands-on activity, students will build a Sierpinski Tetrahedron (the 3D version of the Sierpinski Triangle), and solve problems about the shape. Each small group will build a small Sierpinski Tetrahedron and then we will try to put all these together to build a giant Sierpinski Tetrahedron across the day!
Royal institution puzzle trail:
In this activity, students have the opportunity to explore the wonderful Royal Institution (Ri) building and its many science exhibits, whilst doing mathematical problem solving in small groups.
The Ri (founded in 1799) boasts a rich scientific history which is showcased around the building. Notably, the Ri is known as the scientific home of scientist Michael Faraday, a total of 15 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to scientists working, or associated with, the Ri and 10 scientific elements were discovered or isolated there, many by another famous scientist, Humphry Davy.