Str8ts

Similar to Sudoku, Str8ts challenges players to

use their logic skills to place numbers in blank
squares. The numbers might be consecutive, but
can appear in any order. For example, a row
could be filled with5, 7, 4, 6and8. This puzzle is
better suited to older students, and can be used
as a before-class or after-lesson activity to
reinforce essential logic skills

TransumThis puzzle

seems simple, but it just might stump your

students. After setting up sticks in the required
order, challenge them to make the fish swim in
the other direction -- by moving just three
matchsticks.

Sudoku is an excellent after-lesson activity that encourages logical thinking and problem solving.
You’ve probably already played this classic puzzle, and it’s a great choice for your students. Sudoku
puzzles appear in newspapers around the world every day, and there are hundreds of online resources
that generate puzzles based on difficulty
 Magic square shave been around for
thousands of years, and were introduced
to Western civilization by translated
Arabic texts during the Renaissance.
While magic squares can be a variety of
sizes, the three by three grid is the
smallest possible version and is the most
accessible for young students.

This is also a great math puzzle to try if your students are tactile learners. Using recycled
bottle caps, label each with a number from one to nine. Have your students arrange them
in a three by three square so that the sum of any three caps in a line (horizontally,
vertically and diagonally) equals 15

Kakuro, also called “Cross Sums,” is

another mathematical crossword
puzzle. Players must use the numbers
one through nine to reach “clues” on
the outside of the row. Decrease the
size of the grid to make it easier for
younger players, or keep it as is for
students who need a challenge.
Students can combine addition and
critical thinking and develop multiple
skills with one fun challenge.