Title of Activity: Matchstick Puzzles / Toothpick Puzzles

Number of Teams & Group Size: Minimum 3 - 4 people per group Maximum 8 people per group Variation: At least 2 teams for competition

Logistics Needed: Sufficient matchsticks or toothpicks to form each shape, for all groups Variation: Use A4 Paper and Markers to draw the shapes instead

Time Allocated: 15 - 20 minutes (Per Puzzle)

Goal: To solve the puzzle

Preparation & Set-Up: Allow each group some time to set-up and arrange their puzzles in the starting shape (~ 3 minutes).

Directions for Conducting the Activity: 1. Ask each group to form the starting shape with the matchsticks / toothpicks. 2. Inform participants that they can only move the required number of matchsticks to create the final shape. 3. Allow participants some time to discuss amongst themselves (~ 5 - 10 minutes). 4. Check that participants have successfully created the final shape.

Specific Rules: 1. Each group must correctly form the starting shape. 2. Participants are only allowed to move the required number of matchsticks, no more and no less, to get the final shape.

Variations: None

Learning Points: Creativity Thinking outside the box Lateral thinking Seeing the big picture Assisting others in need Perseverance

Facilitator Notes: 7 puzzles are provided here.

Turning Donkey Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 5 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 1 matchstick, turn the donkey to face a different direction.

Turning Donkey Final Shape:

Swimming Fish Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 8 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 3 matchsticks, make the fish swim in the opposite direction (180 degree turn).

Swimming Fish Final Shape:

5 Squares To 4 Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 16 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 2 matchsticks, reduce the number of square to 4, with no overlapping or loose ends.

5 Squares To 4 Final Shape:

Ice In The Glass Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 4 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 2 matchsticks, reform the glass in the same shape, but with the ice outside of it.

Ice In The Glass Final Shape:

The ONE Puzzle Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 12 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 2 matchsticks and remove 1 matchstick, make your answer one.

The ONE Puzzle Final Shape:

Tower Upside Down Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 10 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 4 matchsticks, turn the tower upside down.

Tower Upside Down Final Shape:

Chair Fell Over Starting Shape:

Logistics Needed: 10 matchsticks / toothpicks Specific Rules: Move only 2 matchsticks, turn the chair upright.

Chair Fell Over Final Shape: