Outside the Box: Math Puzzles for Grades 3-4
Ready for a challenge? In this ongoing class students use problem solving skills, critical thinking and creativity to solve fun math puzzles.
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(225)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekAssessment
Students are informally assessed throughout the class. I adjust my teaching based on the needs of the students.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 4
Ready to think outside the box? This fun class is for students who love math and enjoy a challenge! Each week students are presented with a different type of math puzzle. They usually have a math base (like number sense, patterns, geometry, algebraic thinking, etc.), but also require critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity to solve. Some require a basic understanding of the 4 basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), so this class is ideal for students working at a 3rd or 4th grade level in math. Join us for just one class or for the whole series! ****************** Class Structure ****************** 1-Students are presented with a puzzle to solve. They have a few minutes to examine, ponder, and figure out how to approach the puzzle. 2-Students share ideas they came up with for solving the puzzle, and we solve it together as a class. 3-We'll spend the rest of the class solving similar puzzles. ****************** SUMMER 2022 ****************** Below is a list of the types of puzzles we'll focus on each week. Keep in mind that I adjust my teaching according to the needs of the students, so I may not stick to the schedule exactly. Feel free to message me if you have any questions about a particular week. WEEK of MAY 2: BALANCE MATH Use algebraic thinking and the 4 operations to solve equality problems WEEK of MAY 9: NUMBER PATTERNS Use mental math and logic to solve patterns of addition (like 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 9 + 10) WEEK of MAY 16: TIC TAC MATH Solve Sudoku-type puzzles involving addition and logic WEEK of MAY 23: BUCKET PROBLEMS Use logic to solve these measurement problems WEEK of MAY 30: GEOMETRIC PATTERNS Solve and create puzzles with complex geometric patterns WEEK of JUNE 6: INSIDE OUT MATH Use algebraic thinking and number sense to figure out missing numbers in a grid WEEK of JUNE 13: CRYPTO-ARITHMETIC PUZZLES Use logic to solve math problems that use letters instead of numbers WEEK of JUNE 20: TANGRAMS Use tangrams to create designs and pictures WEEK of JUNE 27: BALANCE MATH Use algebraic thinking and the 4 operations to solve equality problems
Learning Goals
Students who take this class will be able to:
-think logically
-use critical thinking and creativity to solve problems
Other Details
Supply List
Paper & pencil
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Balance Math & More, Level 1 (Critical Thinking Company)
Dimensions Math: https://www.singaporemath.com/pages/dimensions-math-resources
Pattern Explorer (Critical Thinking Company)
Joined April, 2020
4.9
225reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a certified (k-6) teacher and have been teaching for over 20 years in public, private, and homeschool settings. I've homeschooled all 4 of my own children. For the past 2 years, I've been engaging kids in math & science here on Outschool. Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
30 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
2-5 learners per class
