by Dave Youngs
The object of this puzzle is to place ten pennies (or other small objects) along the sides of the activity sheet so that each side has exactly the same number. There are several different ways that this can be done. After students have found the solution(s) for ten pennies, they record it. They are then challenged to do the same thing with nine and then eleven pennies. After solving the puzzle, students are asked to study their solutions and then reflect on what they learned in doing the activity.
In the spirit of the Puzzle Corner, students should be allowed to work independently on this puzzle during the week. Then, when enough people have come up with solutions, time should be set aside to let students share their solutions, their methods of arriving or not arriving at a solution, their insights, and any patterns discovered. This sharing and discussion is necessary for Puzzle Corner activities to reach their full potential in the classroom.
I hope that your students will enjoy Are All Sides Equal?