Creative Math Camp—Toothpick Puzzles

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(7)

Completed by 18 learners

In this five-session camp, students will solve various visual math problems using toothpicks.

Jennifer Clark, MEd, NBPT

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(96)

There are no upcoming classes.

8-12

year old learners

3-9

learners per class

$100

Charged upfront

$20 per class

Meets 5x per week

Over 1 week

50 minutes per class

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6

Each session, we will begin with a brief number talk or visual problem to warm up.  Each session will focus on a different toothpick puzzle.  These puzzles are visual in nature and are highly engaging.  After making sure all students understand the challenge, ample time will be given for students to work on their own to solve the puzzle.  We will come together to discuss solutions, challenges, strategies, and further questions that arise periodically throughout the class.  Students will get...

Students will develop a positive attitude toward math by engaging in fun, challenging activities that they can feel success and ownership in.

Students will utilize spatial-relational skills, persistence, and patience to solve the puzzles.

Students will develop and practice logical problem-solving skills.

Students will progress to finding the most elegant solutions to the problem, and will be able to distinguish those solutions from the inelegant ones that minimally meet the challenge requirements.

Students will use geometric vocabulary and logical thinking when working on these challenges.

Math is fun!  Don’t believe me?  Give this series of toothpick challenges a try!  This course is designed to help your child use his or her math brain in such a fun way that it won’t feel like a “math class.”

I taught full-time for sixteen years, and math is one of my favorite subjects! I excel in teaching thinking, problem solving, and pattern finding.  I believe in providing for play, discussion, and materials you can hold and move in math.  I have a Masters of Special Education of Academically and Intellectually Gifted Students, and taught in a magnet school for gifted students for eight years.  This means I am an expert at challenging students, delving deep into topics, and helping those for whom math isn't their greatest strength.  These visual challenges are often a strength of students who may not always like math as much, and can really stretch students who may sail through numeric challenges.  That reversal can really help students of all levels grow their math brains!

Flat wooden toothpicks (the round ones can be frustrating because they roll away!)
paper and writing utensils
Handouts will be shared on classroom page when needed before class

4 hours 10 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.

Meet the teacher

Jennifer Clark, MEd, NBPT

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(96)

I taught full time for sixteen years in elementary school.  I got a Masters of Special Education of Academically and Intellectually Gifted students, and have a passion and understanding for assessing and meeting children’s needs in multiple ways. ...