Pentominoes

Watch the video to learn how to play

Transcript

Transcript coming soon.

Collect resources

You will need:

  • 5 paper squares (click here to watch how to make squares, you’ll need 5 pieces of A4 or A5 paper and scissors)

  • grid paper (you can click on the link on the right to print some)

  • coloured pens or pencils.

Pentominoes grid paper.pdf

How to play

  • Find all the unique shapes you can make using all 5 squares.

  • Remember, the edges of each square must join other squares perfectly and all of the shapes you make must be different. That means that 2 shapes are considered the same if one can be fitted exactly on top of the other, even if you have to turn it around or turn it over.

Watch the video to continue your thinking

More instructions

  • Cut out pentominoes to investigate what rectangles you can make by joining your pentominoes together.

  • Choose a challenge:

    • Try making a rectangle with all of your pentominoes

    • Check out the Penta Place challenge from NRICH maths.

    • Challenge someone to a game of Penta Play from NRICH maths.

    • Try making one of the animals from the picture. You can find more pentomino animals from Abroth's World.