The Shape Stack Challenge | Mini Maths Explorations

This engaging, hands-on maths investigation encourages students to explore the properties of 3D shapes, investigate stability and develop mathematical reasoning through an accessible, open-ended challenge!

Students become shape stack designers, investigating whether having more faces makes a 3D shape easier to stack. Through practical exploration and discussion, students discover how flat and curved surfaces, shape orientation and the properties of faces can affect the stability of a stack.

Part of the Mindful Maths Mini Maths Explorations collection, this resource follows a low-threshold, high-ceiling approach, providing an accessible starting point with opportunities for deeper mathematical thinking.

The activity includes four additional constraints (challenges) to encourage systematic exploration, challenge assumptions and develop mathematical justification, to extend your students as appropriate.

Mathematical Focus: 3D shape properties, faces, edges, vertices, flat and curved surfaces, comparing shapes and mathematical reasoning.

Estimated Time: 25–30 minutes, with flexibility to extend the investigation through additional challenges and mathematical discussion.

What’s Included?

• Introduction to Mini Math Explorations
• Teacher guidance and teaching sequence
• Visual provocation
• Four additional challenges (constraints)

This download includes both an Editable PowerPoint Version and a PDF Version.