Hexagonal thinking

Also known as: hexagonal planning

Hexagonal thinking involves students recording ideas, questions or facts on hexagonal tiles and arranging them so that related tiles are next to each other, essentially building a web of connections. It:

  • can be differentiated by educators through using pre-filled tiles and/or blank tiles which students fill in
  • challenges students to demonstrate higher levels of understanding through explaining the relationships between sets of tiles
  • can be used by educators as a collaborative planning strategy for curriculum mapping and creating transdisciplinary units of work.

Hexagonal thinking

ICT templates

Learning activity templates

Google templates

Ensure you are logged into your Google account before accessing these templates.

Microsoft templates

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account before accessing these templates. To edit Microsoft templates, go to:
File > Download a Copy.

How to use with ICT

  • Check out the Concept maps activity card for other ways to capture relationships between ideas.

External resources

Find out more resources
Title Link Description
Using hexagon learning for categorisation, linkage and prioritisation by Russel Tarr Using hexagon learning for categorisation, linkage and prioritisation A guide to using hexagonal thinking in the classroom, with a case study, extension suggestions and links to other resources.
The awesome six-sided world of hexagonal thinking by Chuck Taft The Awesome Six Sided World of Hexagonal Thinking A history teacher talks about how he has used hexagonal thinking activities in the classroom. Includes videos and pictures, as well as links to more resources.
Making connections with hexagonal thinking by Ewan McIntosh Making connections with hexagonal thinking Looks at using hexagonal thinking from a design point of view.

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