Math House Mysteries were something I learned about at a NCTM regional conference YEARS ago. The kids used to love them so I decided to update them a bit and use them again! I thought I would post the information in case anyone else wanted to try it.
Math House Mysteries are similar to whole class logic puzzles. You can create one to review any topics you want. I currently have about five different ones. Here is a link to one of them.
To play, each student is given a card (or more if necessary so that they are all used). I put the blank chart on an overhead sheet and project it to the class. I explain that these are four "houses" on a street and that as a class we have to fill in all the missing information about the families. Each student has a piece of scrap paper, a pencil, and (maybe) a calculator.
I time them to see how long it takes to fill in the puzzle, and then I have them "compete" against other classes or even against themselves the next time we play.
There are "information" clues that need to be shared early and four "starter" clues that give a specific piece of information on the board. The rest build on those four. We talk about needing to get that information first. The kids must raise their hands when they have a clue the class needs. Someone else MUST use the information in their clue to fill in a box/boxes on the board. They have to tell me exactly where the information goes on the board. For example, "The family in house number 2 has a pet tarantula named Cylinder."
Rules:
- The students may not talk during the game (when not sharing their clues). The only exception is to say "repeat". I stress this rule because otherwise they tend to get very angry/loud with each other when there is a longer pause because someone doesn't immediately realize their clue is needed. The class is given a 1 minute penalty for talking out of turn.
- The student may not give an answer for the board obtained from their own clue. Someone else must use their information. (2 minute penalty)
- No guessing is allowed. Clues must have been read aloud to support all answers given. (1 minute penalty)
We always have a discussion at the end about strategy. They get better and better as the year goes on at working together.
It was difficult to put the directions into words so please let me know if you have any questions! I hope someone is able to use this!
Math House sounds great! Did you make up your own or get them from the conference? The one you've linked to doesn't quite match up with what I'd need for 6th grade, but I'd love to see other examples.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been teaching math to gifted 6th graders, and this year I'll have 4th graders as well. It has been many years since I've taught kids that young, so I'm in for an adjustment.
You should put your Twitter name on your blog so that people can follow you there. I looked but couldn't find it! :-)
Alisan, I did make up my own. The sample I received at the conference was geared for a lower grade, but it's not hard to put one together. I will try to get my other ones typed up when I get a little extra time =)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I will have younger students this year. Now I will be teaching 5th-8th so I am going back through all my old stuff!
My Twitter name is @lstolaski. I have not quite figured out how to add that button! LOL I am new to all of this. Thanks for reading and commenting!