In some of these activities you will find references to topology.
Topology is a branch of mathematics. It studies the properties of objects that do not change when the object is distorted. In topology two objects are considered to be the same if each one can be distorted to the other without being cut or torn.
There are everyday examples of topology. A typical map of a railway system shows the railway lines and how they connect in very simple form. An accurate map of a railway system would have lots of bends and uneven spacing. The simplified map is topologically equivalent to an accurate map. The important information, like the order of stops and how the different train lines are connected, does not change as the map is distorted from one to the other.
There are three topological activities described here. The first is the handcuffs puzzle, where two people are tied together and have to separate themselves; the second is the Möbius strip, which investigates a strange twisted piece of paper and finally there is linking paper clips.
