Position, Direction and Movement: Age 7-11

This is part of our collection of favourite rich tasks arranged by topic.

If you are a teacher, you can find the whole collection on our Primary Curriculum teacher page.
Alternatively, if you are a student, you'll find the same problems on our Primary Curriculum student page.


  • A Cartesian Puzzle
    problem
    Favourite

    A Cartesian Puzzle

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Find the missing coordinates which will form these eight quadrilaterals. These coordinates themselves will then form a shape with rotational and line symmetry.

  • problem
    Favourite

    Clocks

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    These clocks have been reflected in a mirror. What times do they say?

  • Let Us Reflect
    problem
    Favourite

    Let Us Reflect

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Where can you put the mirror across the square so that you can still "see" the whole square? How many different positions are possible?

  • Coordinate Challenge
    problem
    Favourite

    Coordinate Challenge

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Use the clues about the symmetrical properties of these letters to place them on the grid.

  • Twice as Big?
    problem
    Favourite

    Twice as Big?

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Investigate how the four L-shapes fit together to make an enlarged L-shape. You could explore this idea with other shapes too.

  • National Flags
    problem
    Favourite

    National Flags

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    This problem explores the shapes and symmetries in some national flags.

  • Shape Draw
    problem
    Favourite

    Shape Draw

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Use the information on these cards to draw the shape that is being described.

  • Stringy Quads
    problem
    Favourite

    Stringy Quads

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    This practical problem challenges you to make quadrilaterals with a loop of string. You'll need some friends to help!

  • Symmetry Challenge
    problem
    Favourite

    Symmetry Challenge

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    How many symmetric designs can you make on this grid? Can you find them all?

  • ReflectoR ! RotcelfeR
    problem
    Favourite

    ReflectoR ! RotcelfeR

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Can you place the blocks so that you see the reflection in the picture?

  • A rolled up old-fashioned treasure map.
    problem
    Favourite

    Treasure Hunt

    Age
    7 to 14
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Can you find a reliable strategy for choosing coordinates that will locate the treasure in the minimum number of guesses?

  • Eight hidden squares
    problem
    Favourite

    Eight Hidden Squares

    Age
    7 to 14
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    On the graph there are 28 marked points. These points all mark the vertices (corners) of eight hidden squares. Can you find the eight hidden squares?

  • Ten Hidden Squares
    problem
    Favourite

    Ten Hidden Squares

    Age
    7 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    These points all mark the vertices (corners) of ten hidden squares. Can you find the 10 hidden squares?