Off-the-shelf Primary Mathematics Masterclass exploring magic squares – squares of numbers where all rows, columns and diagonals add up to the same magic total.
Find out about their history in art, sculpture and legend and learn how to create your own magic squares of different sizes.
Magic squares are amazing things. A magic square is a square grid of numbers where each row, column and diagonal must add up to the same number. An exploration of number bonds and symmetry, magic squares capture something of the beauty and joy of manipulating numbers. They have a long and distinguished history, having fascinated mathematicians for centuries.
The aim of the Masterclass is for students to explore the properties of magic squares, developing their number sense, creativity and reasoning. They will begin with the challenge of constructing a 3x3 magic square before exploring the history of magic squares in art, sculpture and legend through three examples:
Students then explore the structure of magic squares by constructing their own examples, learning simple number tricks to help them.
Length: 2 hours (see the session leader notes for ideas on how to shorten the Masterclass).
All supporting notes, worksheets and solutions can be downloaded from this page along with the Powerpoint presentation.
The Session Leader Notes offer full notes on the activities and a detailed list of resources, including quantities needed.
The Session Helper Sheet can be distributed amongst helpers so they can better support the students and a worked example date square is provided for leaders and helpers.
Ask the Ri
You can collect any student questions and email them to the Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk - we will endeavour to answer them before the next Masterclass in your series.
Masterclass series support
For more information on running a Masterclass series and the support, templates and other resources available to you, please get in touch via masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.