Amazing Minds
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Mind-Bending Monday: Perplexing Logic Puzzles Using Two-Circle Venn Diagrams Episode 1
What tasks can be used to help 8th grade students understand two-way frequency tables AND help 3rd graders write equations with variables? In today’s episode we are using two-circle Venn diagram logic puzzles. Venn diagrams are often used to understand...
Mind-Bending Monday Visual Puzzles Episode 5: SET Game and More!
SET game is the recipient of over 25 awards, including Mensa Select! Students of all ages love to play because it is fun, but it also builds important thinking skills! The history of SET is interesting, too! Research shows that visual/spatial thinking is an...
What Skills Do Students Really Need?
What skills are most important, and how do you build them? “Top U.S. Companies: These are the Skills Students Need in a Post-Pandemic World” was published by EducationWeek last week. The entire article is worth reading, but here is a quote: McKinsey & Company...
Mind-Bending Mondays: Visual Puzzles Episode 4 – How Many Shapes?
In "How Many Squares", students learned new strategies and were given an additional square challenge! In this episode, we will build on the strategies discussed in episode 2 to solve the last square challenge. We'll then apply those strategies to a new puzzle...
How is a great math class like a daffodil?
What do a great math class and a daffodil have in common? I am always excited to see daffodils! Not only are they beautiful, but they are one of the first signs of spring! A few are blooming in my yard, and I think of each one as an exciting ‘first impression’ of...
Mind-Bending Mondays: Visual Puzzles Episode 3 Chinese Match Puzzles Part 2
DId you love the Chinese match puzzles from episode 1? These fun, engaging puzzles are a great way to build visual thinking skills! This episode builds on episode 1 by using logical and mathematical strategies to solve additional puzzles! Do you want ideas on how...
Logic Mazes are A-MAZE-ing!
Are you familiar with logic mazes? Robert Abbott was a computer programmer, a game designer, and the inventor of logic mazes. Theseus and the Minotaur is one of his most popular mazes. I was introduced to his work through GAMES magazine years ago, and I have some...
Mind-Bending Monday: Visual Puzzles Episode 2: How Many Squares?
A few months ago someone posted a picture with the question “How many triangles do you see?” on a popular neighborhood website. I don’t always read it, but because I love these puzzles, of course I looked at the thread. It was very interesting! At last count, there...
Mind-Bending Mondays: Visual Puzzles, Episode 1 Chinese Match Puzzles
Have you tried Chinese match puzzles? These fun, engaging puzzles are a great way to build visual thinking skills! This episode focuses on puzzles involving squares. If students do not see the answer, how can we question them in a way that builds visual thinking...
Mind-Bending Monday Algebraic Reasoning Episode 3: Weight Puzzles
Do you love a puzzle? I do! We know brainteasers and logic puzzles are both engaging and challenging! We also know visual representations are a great way to develop algebraic concepts. In this series, we will explore puzzles that require critical thinking, build...
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