Creative Math Camp—Toothpick Puzzles
In this five-session camp, students will solve various visual math problems using toothpicks.
Jennifer Clark, MEd, NBPT
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(96)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursClass 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 to share their own thinking by showing their models or drawing on the whiteboard. Depending on the progress of the class, we may have time for extension puzzles or more than one puzzle in some classes. I believe in providing the opportunity for students to discover their own solutions and methods for solving challenging problems. I prefer to encourage students to share and collaborate when stuck, rather than me blurting out an answer. I try to guide rather than show--I want the students to take ownership of the problems and their own thinking. I want to support all learners, and can modify for learners as needed. The challenges planned for the camp are from AIMS--Activities Integrating Math and Science and are: Session one--Toothpick Teasers--after arranging your toothpicks as I will show you, follow the instructions in each puzzle to make exactly three congruent squares. Session 2--Toothpick Puzzlers--How can you make different numbers on squares from an arrangement of 12 toothpicks by moving or removing some of the toothpicks? Session 3--Square Pickings--how can you use the eight sticks of different lengths to form exactly three squares? Session 4--Flipping Fish--How can you make the toothpick fish face a different direction by moving the fewest number of toothpicks? Session 5-Square Toothpick Challenge--How can you change the number of squares by moving or removing a given number of toothpicks from the original arrangement? Bonus (in case we get through other puzzles more quickly)--Penning a Half-Dozen--How can you create six equal-sized shapes using 12 toothpicks without cutting or overlapping the toothpicks? Depending on how long each puzzle takes, we may have time for additional puzzles or other games.
Learning Goals
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.
Other Details
Supply List
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
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
96reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
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! Reviews
Live Group Class
$100
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-9 learners per class
