Week 4 - Virtual Manipulative - Number Puzzles

Hi Everyone,

Number Puzzles Virtual Manipulative

I love the Number Puzzles Virtual Manipulative for several reasons.

First, it challenges students to solve relatively difficult math puzzles. For each puzzle, students need to come up with a strategy. For example, they must consider whether it is better to put a high or a low number in the vertex of a triangle? Keep in mind that this changes depending whether the sum for each side of the triangle is large or small.

Second, this virtual manipulative forces students to do computation. I feel that most students will find it annoying to have to keep typing numbers into a calculator. Thus, they will challenge themselves to do the computation in their heads. Obviously, the ability to do computation in one's head is a very important skill, and thus, this virtual manipulative helps students build this skill.

Third, these puzzles are fun! I allowed my middle school students to play these puzzles during lunch, and they loved them. I do not think they even realized that they were doing math. Thus, if you want to trick students into doing computation in their heads then this is certainly one of the best ways to do it.

I suggest that you try this virtual manipulative at home. You will find that it is actually very entertaining.

Sincerely,

Marc