Lantern Grid
When you tap a lantern, it and its four neighbours change. Find a way to light all the lanterns.
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How to play?
- Tap a lantern: it and its neighbours above, below, left and right switch on or off.
- Watch how the moves affect each other.
- The puzzle is solved when all the lanterns are lit.
Skills it builds
- Systems thinking: one move having many effects
- Finding and generalising patterns
- Forming and testing a hypothesis
- Getting ready for mathematical thinking (doing the same move twice undoes it)
Tips for parents and teachers
- Explore together what tapping the same lantern twice does.
- Starting from the top row and "chasing the lights" downwards is a strategy that works.
- Talk about which rule they noticed, not how many moves it took.
A child-friendly version of the well-known maths puzzle "Lights Out". Puzzles progress through 24 levels from easy to hard; the hint button shows the next step rather than the answer.
Using it in class
Solve it together on the interactive whiteboard as a 10–15 minute warm-up: ask students for guesses first, then let a volunteer make the move. The printable version works for learning stations and homework.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Lantern Grid for?
Lantern Grid is best for ages 9–12; the 24 puzzles go from easy to hard, so younger or older children can start at their own level.
What skills does Lantern Grid build?
Systems thinking, finding and generalising patterns, forming and testing hypotheses, getting ready for mathematical thinking (doing the same move twice undoes it).
Can Lantern Grid be played offline or on paper?
Yes. From the grown-ups' corner you can print puzzles with a separate solution page.
Is it paid, and do I need an account?
No. It's ad-free, account-free and free; progress is stored only on your device.
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