A paper trail

This activity involves creating the longest pathway possible out of a single piece of paper (e.g. a newspaper sheet or an A4 page).

To begin, start by discussing how you might cut or tear the paper up to create one long pathway with a single sheet of paper.

You may decide you will make one pathway by cutting one page up into thin strips and attaching the strips end to end.

The second pathway may be created by cutting or tearing your sheet it into a spiral.

Once you have decided on two different methods, ask your child to predict which path will be longer.

Next, to find out which path is the longest, use a ‘unit’ – such as LEGO blocks, straws, etc. – and measure the length of each path.

Discuss your findings in relation to your predictions at the beginning of this task.