What is a Tarsia Puzzle?

A Tarsia puzzle is a type of jigsaw puzzle used in mathematics education to help students understand mathematical concepts. It consists of a set of pieces, each with a shape and pattern, that can be put together to form a larger shape or pattern. Tarsia puzzles often include equations, diagrams, or other mathematical representations. Tarsia puzzles are used to reinforce understanding and promote problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.

Have a “Ball” With a Football Tarsia Puzzle!

It’s Football season, so you’ve got to drop in some gridiron-based activities to grab the attention of your youngest football fans. This tarsia puzzle features 15 individual pieces, each with multiple two-digit addition equations. Students will cut apart the pieces, then solve the puzzle by matching equations and answers to form a football. 

Your students are going to love this new practice activity, or should we say that they’ll “have a ball” with it. 

This resource is available in multiple formats to meet your needs. We have included a quick-print PDF, and editable Google Slides resource file. Use the dropdown arrow on the download button to select the file you prefer.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.