About this Masterclass
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:
- The magic square carved into the façade of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
- The magic square depicted in the Durer painting “Melancolia”
- The ancient Lo Shu Square from China
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).
Resources needed
- 'Magic Squares' presentation (download from "Supporting documents" below)
- Student worksheets (download below)
- Paper and pencils
- Scissors or pre-prepared digit cards (see worksheet 1)
- Supporting notes; helper/session leader download from "Supporting documents" below)
- Computer and data projector
- Further details of quantities etc. can be found in Session Leader Notes
Support for this 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.
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.