In Shape to Race

This activity is an example of a logic track. It requires students to consider several attributes of a block simultaneously to find out whether the block can get from start to finish.
Students should justify their decision about which routes are best for the blocks they have chosen. For example, in considering the size attribute, big blocks should take Route 1 and small blocks Route 2. Selecting a quadrilateral (either a square or a rectangle) would mean taking Route 1 because the block could not pass through the tunnel on Route 2.

Students need to find ways to organise their thoughts about the characteristics of blocks that get to the finish. A table can be very helpful to record the different characteristics. The attributes can be crossed out on the table as they are eliminated:

The table shows that any block can get to the finish provided that it is not yellow and students choose the correct route for that block. Students will enjoy creating their own logic tracks for other students.

Answers to Activity

Route 1 can be followed only by big red or blue blocks that are squares, rectangles, or hexagons.
Route 2 can be followed only by red or blue blocks that are triangles, circles, or hexagons.
Any block can get to the finish if it is not yellow and students choose the correct route for that block.