Mazes & Math
- Benjamin Chan
- May 24
- 2 min read
In our May workshop, participants had designed and built their own mazes. The goal was to show how the world of mathematics isn’t just about numbers on a page: it can be hands-on and fun! By using simple materials like cardboard and straws, we were able to explore mathematical thinking in a playful way. We aimed to make complex geometry concepts like angles, symmetry, and patterns tangible and exciting. Through this workshop, we helped change the perception of maths, transforming it from something daunting into a creative experience. Participants literally built their understanding, seeing firsthand how maths is used in real-world planning and problem-solving.
Preparation was key to the workshop's smooth running. We created three examples of different mazes to inspire participants and let them test them out, showing how various designs could create different challenges. We also prepared several maze templates, ranging from simple pathways to more complex designs with multiple paths and dead ends. These templates were designed to provide guidance for younger participants or anyone who needed a little help getting started. We also prepared a short and simple introduction to explain how math is used in maze design, ensuring participants felt confident rather than overwhelmed.
All participants were highly engaged and full of creative ideas. It was rewarding to see them naturally applying mathematical concepts: measuring carefully, estimating distances and adjustments to get just the perfect angles and lengths! The project was not only deeply engaging but showcased the importance of hands-on learning and demonstration in STEM.
The simple act of bending a straw to create an angle or arranging them to form a symmetrical pattern became a moment of discovery. Some finished quickly and added decorations, while others carefully tested and modified their designs until they were just right. This gave us a great chance to see how different people approach challenges in their own way.
There was a wonderful buzz of collaboration, with kids and their parents sharing ideas on how to create the trickiest turns or the most efficient paths. The moment a participant tested their completed maze with a marble and a parent cheered them on was a powerful reminder of how engaging learning can be. It was truly a joy to see everyone try out each other's creations at the end.
We were very happy with how the workshop went. One key lesson we learned was the importance of providing just enough guidance at the start, while also allowing plenty of room for creativity and independent thinking. The participants, even the younger ones, proved capable of more than we expected once they got going. The "Maths and Mazes" workshop proved that creative community projects are a powerful way to engage people of all ages in STEM education. We are proud that everyone walked away with not only a fun experience and something to take home, but also a deeper understanding of math.
Missed our maze workshop? No worries! You can visit the following links to learn more about the fun connection between maths and mazes and even try some at home.
Cardboard Labyrinth
Cardboard Maze
