Cooperative Lesson

Title: NUMBER PUZZLES Intended Grade Level: 5

Objective: The learner will discover the mystery numbers using their knowledge of factors, multiples and prime numbers

Abstract: In groups of four, students will work together to discover the mystery number using the clues given.

Materials: Sample cards, envelopes #1 - #12 (each group will need one envelope with each number, hundreds charts, colored pencils.

*** Sample cards, number puzzle clue cards and hundreds charts are attached. ***

Time: Two days

Procedure:

1. Complete the first three sample questions with the class. (Each student will need a hundreds chart.)

2. Invite three students to help you demonstrate how the group is going to work together. (Follow the directions in the next steps.)

3. Each mystery number is accompanied by four clues, each in a separate envelope.

4. Each student receives an envelope and the team receive one hundreds board.

5. The group sits in a circle and one person begins by reading their clue.

6. The person across from the clue giver listens to the clue and marks the hundreds boards to fit the clue.

7. They then share what they did with the group. If there is any disagreement the group will rework the problem, but this talk through it as they mark the hundreds board.

8. When this is done, the hundreds board is given to the next person and the student across from them reads the next clue.

9. Continue reading clues and marking the hundreds board in the same way until the mystery number is discovered. All members in the group need to agree on the mystery number.

10. One person from the group will bring the envelope to the teacher. They tell her the mystery number. If they are correct, they get the next envelope. If the group is incorrect, they work through the problem again.

11. Continue working through the problems until the students finish mystery number #12.

12. Discuss.

Extension:

Students can choose a mystery number. They will create at least four clues for this number. Their goal is to make their mystery number be the only number to fit the clues. Students will trade their clues and see if a classmate can discover their mystery number.

Assessment:

The students will be evaluated on the answers they give for the mystery numbers. A mystery problem question will also appear on their factors and multiples test.

*** If this lesson is being viewed over the computer, the needed materials will not be attached. Please refer to Scott Foresman’s Investigation Series, Grade 5.