Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Pyramid of pennies
Act 1
A video is shown of a pyramid being made from pennies. How many pennies does it take to make the pyramid?
Act 2
Further information is given on the pyramid; there are 13 pennies in a stack, the base layer is 40 by 40, and the dimensions of a penny. There is also a formula for calculating how many stacked spheres are in a pyramid with a square base.
Act 3
A screen grab shows the completed pyramid with the answer revealed. There is also a press release relating to the pyramid.
Sequel
If I have one million pennies, what kind of pyramid can I make?
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
-
Pyramid of pennies formula sheet act 2 410.66 KB
-
Pyramid of pennies article act 3 660.96 KB
-
Pyramid of pennies sequel 828 bytes
Show downloads
-
-
-
-
Pyramid of pennies formula sheet act 2 410.66 KB -
-
Pyramid of pennies article act 3 660.96 KB
-
Pyramid of pennies sequel 828 bytes
Download all files as a .zip2.92 MB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
