Playground Mazes

Mazes (using them, or designing them) can offer very stimulating opportunities for co-operative and creative mathematics.

The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) has an excellent overview of how out-of-door 'maze work' can be used to extend children's learning.

The site illustrates the effectiveness of simple mathematical mazes. These can be professionally designed and painted onto the playground, or, (arguably of greater value) can be semi-permanent markings designed by the children. Because of the infinite ways in which most of these mazes can be used, they have a high motivation factor and tend to be 'sticky', in hat children will return to them again and again. However, the initial planning and designing process is potentially the most valuable mathematical aspect. The NCETM site offers details of how to include children in designing their own mazes to challenge their peers.

Playground Mazes [NCETM.org]