Can a quarter fit through a dime-sized hole?
In two dimensions, the hole is smaller than the quarter. In three dimensions, though, the hole can be stretched and manipulated to make a slit big enough for the quarter to drop through.
Topology is the mathematical study of shapes and spaces. Topology involves looking at the shapes that result through stretching, transforming, deforming, folding and twisting.
Students will also stretch their math brains with this topological exercise.