Math Puzzles

These games demonstrate that even mathematicians like to have fun.  Over the years, whether for amusement during lectures on the uncertainty principle, or to visually map out complex mathematical pathways, the leading brains in fields related to mathematics have developed a variety of number games, geometrical and matching puzzles that amuse as well as educate. 

Reproduced here with hand-detailed wooden craftsmanship, from Tangrams to Magic Squares, these math games are anything but boring. While solutions are often based on complex mathematical assumptions, such as:  “the string of cubes form a Hamiltonian path through a 3×3×3 grid graph” and have often been the subject of advanced computer analysis –  don’t be intimidated!   As educational tools, they develop the ability for mathematical analysis through the intuitive approach of puzzle solving.  They are tangible and beautiful objects - concrete and “real”  - whose manipulation will reinforce and strengthen abstract mathematical concepts and abilities.  The only super computer you’ll need to find a solution is your brain.  

Whether played alone, or with partners, inside the classroom and out, kids to adults will be captivated and intrigued as much as mathematicians and engineers. 

9 Rings Towers of Hanoi $15.95	Pento Chess Puzzle $13.95	Fifteen Puzzle $11.95
The 26 Math Puzzle $9.95	7 Rings Towers of Hanoi $13.95	My First Sudoku - Child Sudoku $8.25
The Elegant Switch 8 - Large $13.95	Shut the Box - Practice Math with Fun $15.95	1 2 3 Go! Counting Race - Learn to count with fun $13.95
Red Sun - Wooden Startegy Game $7.95

Interesting Readings...

Computer games make children anti-social

"Teaching children to play more demanding games such as chess would be much better than buying them a computer game, although probably not quite as welcome."

By Athalie Matthews
Telegraph.co.uk

CHILDREN who play computer games for hours on end risk stunted brain growth and a loss of self-control, research has shown.

A study found that the thought processes required by computer games were too simple to stimulate crucial areas of the brain, leading to underdevelopment and consequent behavioural problems such as violence.

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Maths puzzles "could help fend off Alzheimer's"

Could completing a Sudoku puzzle in your lunch-break help fend off Alzheimer's disease? According to the Japanese neuroscientist, Professor Ryuta Kawashima, doing simple maths puzzles, really can prevent the slowing of the mental faculties with age.

By Laura Clout
Telegraph.co.uk

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