Fun Math Challenges for Students

Resources gathered by Katherine Clark

Directions: Click any of the links (in blue) below and follow the directions to complete challenges.
1. Open Middle
Directions: Choose any of the challenges listed and attempt to solve. There is typically more than
one correct answer. Come up with as many solutions as you can. You are encouraged to view the
comment section for other solutions.

2. Which One Doesn't Belong

Directions: Choose from shapes, numbers, or graphs & equations. Look at the four images that
you’re given and decide which one doesn’t belong and why. There is more than one right answer
(as long as you can justify your reasoning). This can be fun to debate by yourself or with others.

3. Would You Rather

Directions: Scroll down and read each scenario. Decide if you would rather choose option A or
option B and explain why. At the bottom of the page, you can click the arrow for more scenarios to
load. You can start looking for similar scenarios in everyday life and coming up with your own.

4. NRICH Activities (Cambridge University)

Directions: Choose the topic that interests you the most and complete the activities. If you want an
even greater challenge, click here.

5. 3 Act Lessons
Directions: Look at the column that says “Standard 1” and choose any lesson that starts with a “5”
(for example: 5.NF.6 or 5.MD.3). If you want an even greater challenger, choose any lesson that
starts with a “6” or “7.” Watch the video and follow the directions, going one “act” at a time.

6. Inspirational Math (Jo Boaler)

Directions: If interested, watch any (or all) of the videos at the top of the page. If you’re ready to
complete a math task, scroll to the bottom of the page where it says “Tasks.” Click the task you’re
interested in and then click “Download PDF.” Read the directions and begin.

7. Estimation 180
Directions: First, watch the introductory video for specific instructions and complete your own
scavenger hunt. Afterwards, choose any of the images at the bottom to begin your estimations.
Type your responses in the boxes to the right. Then, click “answer” to see how close you were.

8. Eureka Exit Tickets

Directions: Select a link from any module/lesson and solve. Some questions will be more
challenging than others. If you have the ability to print, you may print before solving. Otherwise,
you can solve on scratch paper.

9. eMath Instruction
Directions: Select whichever unit interests you the most. Then, you may download PDFs to solve
the problems and watch the videos that support the problems.
10. Play HEX online
Directions: This is a math game that is played every year at Math Field Day. You can play online
using the link above. If you need help with directions, strategies, or game boards to print out, click
on this link HEX Directions

11. Geogebra
Directions: Select any math activity from the list and complete. There are many great tangrams and
similar puzzles to choose from.