Eigen Maths: Eigen Squares

The Eigen Square, from Eigen Publications is a fun, tactile teaching tool which really engages Key Stage Two students. Unfortunately it needs to be made! It can be easily constructed from two squares of transparent sticky-backed plastic and 16 double sided digit cards. The views of the front and back of the Eigen Square give an indication of the required spacing – it is essential that the square can be folded flat four times, to show two digit numbers – other activities require fewer folds. The digits on the Eigen Square are NOT random and it is essential that the cards are in the correct position. One side has black digits and the other side red digits.

To investigate the value of these resources you should make an Eigen Square and experiment with it by doing some of the challenges. Many teachers on training courses in the 1980s made them in about 10 minutes at the start of training events led by Dave Kirkby. They were also commercially produced for a while (as shown in the two views) but no longer appear to be available.

The material, listed below, consists of two booklets, front and rear views of the Eigen Square and six sets of student challenge cards. One booklet, the teachers’ notes, contains general information about the Eigen Square and the answers to the 50 student challenge cards.

* Eigen square - teachers' notes
* number cards 1 – front view of the Eigen Square
* number cards 2 – rear view of the Eigen Square
* Eigensquare challenge – numbers (Booklet)

* Eigensquare challenge - two digit numbers (Cards 1-12)
* Eigensquare challenge – dominoes (Cards 13-23)
* Eigensquare challenge - three digit numbers (Cards 24-25)
* Eigensquare challenge – triples (Cards 26-35)
* Eigensquare challenge – squares (Cards 36-40)
* Eigensquare challenge – games (Cards 41-50)