Math logic puzzles are a great way to extend learning for your high achieving students. They can be used for a variety of math concepts to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and algebraic reasoning skills.
What Are Math Logic Puzzles?
The term logic puzzle is used for a variety of different activities. When you search for logic puzzles you will mostly see puzzles where you have to read the information and eliminate different choices. When you search for math logic puzzles you will see a variety of puzzles including Sudoku puzzles and missing number puzzles. These are all logic puzzles because you are using reasoning to solve. However, the math logic puzzles that you should be using with your high achieving students now include symbols in the place of numbers. Students will use what they know about equations to determine the value of each symbol.
Why Should You Use Math Logic Puzzles?
- Extend Math Concepts
- Use Mathematical Patterns
- Use Algebraic Thinking
Extend Math Concepts
Students that are able to solve problems quickly and efficiently need work that requires them to think critically and extend their learning. It is not beneficial for high achieving students to just do more of the same type of problem. Math logic puzzles can be used for a variety of concepts including addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, and integers. This allows students to focus on the same mathematical concept that you are teaching and extend their learning.
Use Mathematical Patterns
Math logic problems require students to use what they know about mathematical concepts. They will need to solve problems in an order that they may not normally use. It will be essential to understand that subtraction is the opposite of addition and multiplication is the reverse of division. When solving fraction problems, students will also need to be able to convert fractions flexibly into mixed numbers and equivalent fractions. I ask my students to look at the problem to determine what symbol would have to be the biggest, the smallest and in the middle using the information given in the puzzle. If the problem is complex, students may need to make a table to solve the problem. If their original answer was too big or too small, they will need to try again and adjust with a different number.
Use Algebraic Thinking
For elementary students not yet familiar with algebra, math logic puzzles are also a great introduction to algebraic thinking. Students become comfortable seeing symbols in the place of numbers. Students also begin to see patterns and gain a deeper understanding of math concepts. They learn quickly that they can self-check by substituting the numbers for the symbols to determine if they have the correct answer without the teacher checking their paper.
How to Use Math Logic Puzzles
I use logic puzzles in my gifted and talented classroom in a variety of ways. My most used method is to place a variety of puzzles at differing ability levels around the classroom. Students have an answer recording sheet and move around the room solving the puzzles. They do not have a set partner, but are free to discuss their thinking with other students working on the same puzzle.
When students are able to solve all of the puzzles, they are challenged to create their own logic puzzle. The easiest way to begin creating a logic puzzle is to have one symbol with two numbers (apple plus one equals three) or a problem with a double (apple plus apple equals four) so that there is only one correct answer for that symbol. However, as students become more familiar with logic puzzles they will be able to create more challenging equations that do not seem obvious, but still have only one set of correct answers. I challenge my students to create logic puzzles that use all three symbols, have all symbols relate to each other, and have only one correct set of answers.
I hope you consider using math logic puzzles with your high ability students. You can make your own, download a free sample, or see my full library of logic puzzles here.
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