Activities
Colored Squares
Arrange colored tiles on a grid to satisfy adjacency rules. Learn mathematical notation through hands-on puzzles.
Logical Shapes
Place shapes inside shapes following simple rules. Discover why only certain arrangements work.
Hidden Area
Figure out what's hiding under the big square. Build spatial reasoning and area concepts.
Fencing Puzzles
How much fencing do you need? Compound shapes where shared edges make perimeter surprising.
About Thinking Math
Thinking Math is a collection of visual, hands-on activities designed to build genuine mathematical thinking in middle school students. Each activity uses a concrete puzzle to introduce abstract mathematical ideas — relations, symmetry, combinatorics, spatial reasoning — so the insight emerges through the solving process rather than being taught first.
Created by Bill Rishel, drawing on 20 years of developing innovative math activities.