Class 6 common misconceptions

Does doubling mean adding the same amount each time? — Tempting mistake: “The doubling pattern 3, 6, 12 continues with 18.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Which angle opens wider? — Tempting mistake: “The angle with longer arms is larger.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Do the same digits make the same number? — Tempting mistake: “352 and 523 have the same value because they use the same digits.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

What does one picture stand for? — Tempting mistake: “Five symbols mean five books.”

1 worked visual example · 5 “If your child says…” checks

Is 1 a prime number? — Tempting mistake: “1 is prime because it can be divided by 1 and itself.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Does equal fencing give equal area? — Tempting mistake: “Rectangles with the same perimeter enclose the same area.”

1 worked visual example · 7 “If your child says…” checks

Can you add the bottom numbers? — Tempting mistake: “1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5”

2 worked visual examples · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Do equal sides guarantee a square? — Tempting mistake: “Four equal sides always make a square.”

1 worked visual example · 6 “If your child says…” checks

Does a turn guarantee a mirror line? — Tempting mistake: “A figure with rotational symmetry always has a mirror line.”

1 worked visual example · 4 “If your child says…” checks

Which is warmer, −3 °C or −8 °C? — Tempting mistake: “−8 °C is warmer because 8 is bigger than 3.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

What turns a guess into a conclusion? — Tempting mistake: “A sensible guess is enough to settle the question.”

1 worked visual example · 5 “If your child says…” checks

Does a whale count as a fish? — Tempting mistake: “A whale is a fish because it lives in water.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Does filling food supply everything the body needs? — Tempting mistake: “A diet that provides enough energy gives all needed nutrients.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Do all metals stick to magnets? — Tempting mistake: “An aluminium can sticks because it is metal.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

What if the ruler starts at 2 cm? — Tempting mistake: “A pencil from 2 cm to 9 cm is 9 cm long.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Does a powder count as a liquid because it pours? — Tempting mistake: “Dry sand is a liquid because it pours and takes the shape of a cup.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Does touch measure temperature reliably? — Tempting mistake: “Metal feels colder than wood, so the metal must have a lower temperature.”

1 worked visual example · 7 “If your child says…” checks

Can water evaporate without boiling? — Tempting mistake: “A puddle can dry only if the water boils.”

1 worked visual example · 7 “If your child says…” checks

Can a filter catch dissolved salt? — Tempting mistake: “Filter paper separates salt from clear salt water.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Is everything that moves alive? — Tempting mistake: “A moving toy car is alive.”

1 worked visual example · 6 “If your child says…” checks

Can renewable resources run out locally? — Tempting mistake: “Groundwater can never run low because rain renews it.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks

Is the Moon a light source like the Sun? — Tempting mistake: “The Moon makes its own visible light.”

1 worked visual example · 8 “If your child says…” checks