Number puzzles, spatial/visual puzzles, cryptograms, Sudoku, Kokuro, logic puzzles, and word games like Frame Games are all a great way to teach math and problem-solving skills to middle school students. In these two new collections, puzzle master Terry Stickels provides puzzles and brain games that range from simple to challenging and are organized by grade level and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) content areas. Each book offers over 300 brain games that will help students learn core math concepts and develop critical thinking skills. The books include a wide range of puzzle types and cover a variety of math topics, from fractions and geometry to probability and algebra.
Teachers can use this comprehensive compilation of puzzles as warm-up exercises, questions for team competition, group problem-solving exercises, or just for fun!
Praise for Math Puzzles and Brainteasers
"Terry Stickels, well known as a master creator of puzzles for adults, has turned his attention to brainteasers for youngsters. His two books for children are superb collections of such problems. Like Goldilocks' third bed, they are neither too hard nor too soft, but just right. And I suspect that many parents will find themselves hooked on solving some of Terry's puzzles, especially his delightful frame problems."
—Martin Gardner, puzzle creator and author
"This is a rich set of diverse mathematical problems that can enrich a math class, stimulate children to play with mathematical ideas, or give gifted children a chance to solve interesting problems that lie beyond the limits of most school mathematical curricula."
—Michael Schiro, associate professor, Mathematics Education, Boston College
"I've always found puzzles to be great mental stimulators for kids, and Terry Stickels' varied, entertaining brainteasers are perfect for this purpose."
—Will Shortz, crossword editor, The New York Times