We generally think of dice as a way of generating a random number but dice are actually interesting shapes, even more so than just the cube (or other solid) that they are created from. This week we are exploring how the arrangement of numbers and the shapes involved in dice can be explored. If you would like to try these challenges in our online maths clubs, visit https://online.roots2grow.org/ and book a free trial session.
What action is associated with dice? We can throw them, which is sensible enough for any object the size of an average die, or we can roll them which is a little strange for an object that is generally a cube. But roll them we do. And rotation is the motion that occurs.
Can we imagine that die rotating? Can we predict which numbers will appear? Are there any patterns that will help us understand how the numbers are arranged? Perhaps we could imagine it as a stamp that stamps whichever number is facing down or touching the paper.

Some related topics:
- Transformations (rotation)
- Number bonds (to 7, 13 etc.)
- Formulae (working out edges and vertices)
- Geometry (platonic solids)
- Polyhedra and nets
To try this activity:
- Download the resource file with templates and challenges
- Print out the file
- Get a pencil, scissors and dice.
- Watch the video introductions to each of the activiites (playlist here)
Download or share all of these challenges with this pdf and let us know how you got on with it by tweeting using #momentofmaths and start to see Every moment is a #momentofmaths. Please add any photos or videos to our gallery. Here’s the link: View and upload moments. Remember you can explore the chalenges that we post here in our online maths clubs where you get an online version that you can play with directly on your computer. To find out more about our online clubs go to https://online.roots2grow.org/