by Dave Youngs
Tag Teaser is one of those interesting topological puzzles that requires a bit of persistence to solve.
The puzzle is easy to make and uses inexpensive materials. The version shown here uses a shipping tag (a rectangular piece of oak tag with a hole punched at one end can be substituted), two beads, and a piece of string. Students make the puzzle by following the directions on the student sheet.
Once the puzzle is constructed, the task is to separate the tag and the string without cutting, tearing, or untying anything! This can be done, but the solution will not be immediately obvious.
One nice feature of this puzzle is that it can be made and taken home by each student. This way, a home link is created as family members become involved in the problem-solving process.
Have fun and good luck!