Math Mysteries Quick Tips

2 Components:

· Whole Class CD (for whole group instruction)

· Mystery CD (for individual/small group practice)

Whole Class CD:

· 7 problems on whole number operations

· About 30 minutes each

· 2 student worksheets per problem

· Teacher models problem solving strategies using scan converter

· Pick a character

· Play the story once through

· Play the story again and have students indicate when to “Grab a Note”

· Use worksheet to collect information

· Solve the problem using the Solution Plan worksheet

· Check your answer

Mystery CD:

· 17 problems on whole number operations

· About 2-3 hours total

· 1 Mystery Notes worksheet per use

· For individuals or pairs, maybe whole group depending on level of students

· Navigate through ship to find characters

· Listen button lights up when characters can talk

· Can talk to people multiple times to get new information

· Click “Grab a Note” to gather important information

· Click Mathpad after hearing the problem and gathering information

· Use Mathpad features to identify and solve the problem

· Click Review to recall problems solved

· Can save and print information (if not networked, save to a disk so students can work at any computer)

Manual is on the CD and will be installed with the program; FOR TEACHERS EYES ONLY section gives solutions to problems and reproducible handouts