This week, each fourth-grade class has been split into groups of three for a week-long competition. The problems range from logic problems to Sudoku puzzles, long word problems from "The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math," puzzles and brain teasers. The students must work collaboratively to solve each problem so they can move on to the next one. The winner will be determined on Friday based on how many problems each group has finished.
The groups have little to no help on the problems so that they can really show what they are capable of doing. The amount of conversation these fourth-graders are having about how to solve the problems is wonderful to hear. The ideas they are forming are amazing! The problems will continue to become more difficult as they progress in the competition.
The students' brains may be pushed to their limits during class time, but they are doing some amazing work! I have been impressed with their problem-solving skills and their ability to talk their partners through a problem. I wish everyone had the opportunity to witness our bright fourth-graders working so well together on these tough problems.
Click the files at the top right of this blog to see examples of two of the problems the students have tackled in the competition. It is a pretty tight race after two days of competition with two days left!
