Grid puzzles are a terrific way to practice thinking about math! In this lesson, students are asked to solve addition grid puzzles and compare processes. Use it on its own or as support for the lesson Solving KenKen Puzzles.
Students will be able to apply logic and their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve grid puzzles.
Language
Students will be able to explain and compare strategies used to solve grid puzzles using sentence starters.
Introduction
(6 minutes)
Show students a copy of a blank Frayer model. Write the word puzzle in the middle and model to students how you complete it.
Define the term "puzzle" (something that needs to be solved), draw an image to match, write an example and non-example.
Ask students to turn and talk to a partner about their experiences with puzzles (jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, etc.).
Have students share out their experiences with the whole class.
Explain that today they will learn how to solve, or find the answer to, a certain type of puzzle called a grid puzzle. Show students the vocabulary cards for the remaining tiered words and have a few students orally share a sentence using each vocabulary word.