Grades 3–5
Shape Math Puzzles
Four puzzles where shapes stand for numbers: if star + star = 10, what is a star? A first taste of algebra.
Classroom activity · Logic puzzles and brain teasers
Logic Grid: The Pet Show
A 3 by 3 and a 4 by 4 logic grid about a pet show: who brought which pet, and which pet won which prize.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–4
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Logical reasoning, Problem solving, Persistence, Explaining thinking
What kids do
“Read the clues. Put an X in a box when the answer is no, and an O when it is yes. Each one has just one, and no two share.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 1. Pia’s pet has feathers.
- 2. Omar’s pet does not have a shell.
- 1. Fluff won fluffiest or best trick.
- 2. Rex and Bean did not win fluffiest.
- 3. Taco won best trick.
- 4. Bean is not the biggest.
Words on this sheet
ClueshamsterparrotturtleOmarPiaQuinnRexFluffbesttrickBeanTaco
Teacher tip
Model the 3 by 3 grid first, then let kids try the 4 by 4.
How to use it
- Let kids work with a partner and explain their thinking.
- Start with an easier puzzle before the harder ones.
- Model the first move or the first answer on the document camera.
Watch for
Frustration on hard puzzles. Give one clue at a time as a hint.
Talk about it
- How did you know you were right?
- What would you change to make it harder?
Take it further
Post a puzzle of the week on the board.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More logic puzzles and brain teasers
Grades 4–5
Greater-Than Logic Squares
Four 4 by 4 number puzzles with greater-than and less-than signs between the squares. Each has one answer.
Grades 2–3
Logic Grid: Lunch Time
Two 3 by 3 logic grids about lunch: who packed which snack, and who drank which drink.
Grades 2–3
Letter Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku with the letters A, B, C and D: four 4 by 4 puzzles that each have exactly one answer.
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