332 mind-stretchers results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Make A Match - Lyndsey McCollam
Grades
1 to 3
0 Favorites
0 Comments
How many tries will it take to match all the pairs in this Concentration-style game? No directions are needed for even the smallest players, just click on 2 squares to ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
How many tries will it take to match all the pairs in this Concentration-style game? No directions are needed for even the smallest players, just click on 2 squares to find a match. If there isn't a match, remember what is behind each of the squares to try again.
In the Classroom
Demonstrate this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector then allow students to explore the site on their own. The site provides great practice with memory and computer skills for primary students.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Find It - Lyndsey McCollam
Grades
K to 4
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Deceptively simple, this game offers the opportunity for students to test their observation skills. Within the big picture, try to find the small piece shown to one side. There are...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Deceptively simple, this game offers the opportunity for students to test their observation skills. Within the big picture, try to find the small piece shown to one side. There are two levels of difficulty for those wanting to test their skills further. When stuck, click on the help button to be shown the missing piece. Build your visual discrimination skills!
In the Classroom
Display on the interactive whiteboard or projector and allow students to explore on their own and improve visual discrimination that is useful for reading and more. Create a link on classroom or lab computers to use as a center. Discuss with students different strategies and clues provided within the game that helped them find the missing picture.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Brain Teasers - Pedago.net
Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This simple site offers hundreds of brain teaser problems along with answers. Categories include friends, math, logic, optical illusions, puzzles, and more. Some topics are NOT suitable...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This simple site offers hundreds of brain teaser problems along with answers. Categories include friends, math, logic, optical illusions, puzzles, and more. Some topics are NOT suitable for the classroom (such as dating.) Each brain teaser is fairly short and includes a link to click on the answer.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): logic (161), optical illusions (10), problem solving (228), puzzles (144)
In the Classroom
Choose a problem to use for a problem of the day or problem of the week in your classroom. Students can explain the problem solving process in math journals. Use several problems in a math problem-solving center. Copy several problems and have students store them in math folders to complete when finished with other work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
K-5 Math Teaching Resources - Nicola
Grades
K to 5
4 Favorites
1 Comments
This site offers a vast amount of resources for elementary math teachers. Activities are described within the site and also available for PDF download. The site was originally intended...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site offers a vast amount of resources for elementary math teachers. Activities are described within the site and also available for PDF download. The site was originally intended as a digital storage place for the creator's resources used in consulting work and evolved into a place to share math resources with other teachers. Included topics are numbers, geometry, and measurement/data. After choosing a topic, activities are divided by grade level. Be sure to look at other grade levels for activities that can be modified for your teaching situation. Also available on the site is extensive information about Math Journals (warning - their math journals are for sale on the site; however, information to make and use your own is free). Other topics include math games, centers, projects, mental math, and resources - including some for interactive whiteboards.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): data (151), geometric shapes (135), journals (15), measurement (123), mental math (19), rhymes (21)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a resource to supplement current classroom activities. If you are just implementing math journals, this site is a wonderful resource for ideas and implementation. Print out game directions for use at centers or in folders. Share this site on your class webpage for students to access both in and out of the class for extra practice and/or enrichment.Comments
This site has proved an invaluable resource for teachers at my school. Lots of great resources for Math Centers/small group work and the journal tasks for K-5 are all really good! Highly recommend it to any teachers and/or math coaches trying to get their head around the Common Core Standards.Jane, , Grades: 0 - 5
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Area Explorer - Shodor
Grades
3 to 9
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides multi-leveled practice with calculating the area of random shapes. The applet allows the creation of random shapes to be used in finding area. Options allow for changing...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides multi-leveled practice with calculating the area of random shapes. The applet allows the creation of random shapes to be used in finding area. Options allow for changing the perimeter, displaying the rectangular outline, scored or not scored, and the amount of units to be included. The learner area of the site explains the concept of area and includes charts comparing metric to standard units as well as an explanation on how to convert square feet into square meters. The instructor area includes links to standards and some textbooks, information needed for classroom use, links to similar resources, and a link to downloadable exploration questions.
In the Classroom
Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson on area on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Then have students complete the exploration questions on their own or with a partner. Use this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard to discuss and informally assess prior knowledge as you start your study of area. Make a link on classroom computers to use as a center activity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Angles - Shodor
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides practice with vocabulary associated with angles. Common Core State Standards are addressed for fourth and seventh grades and geometry. The site is also appropriate...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides practice with vocabulary associated with angles. Common Core State Standards are addressed for fourth and seventh grades and geometry. The site is also appropriate for younger grades to use when learning and processing information about angles. The learner section has detailed explanations about different types of angles that can be used as a review when working with angles. The instructor area has correlations to standards, classroom information, links to similar resources, and a downloadable exploration questions sheet. The activity allows options of one or two transverals and scoring can be used or turned off.
tag(s): angles (51), geometric shapes (135)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site with your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups to complete the exploration questions. Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson about angles on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Create a link to the site on your classroom webpage or blog for students to practice at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Single Fraction Finder - Shodor
Grades
6 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Visually experiment with the relationship between the value of fractions and areas within a square or a circle with this activity. It also provides practice with viewing fractions in...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Visually experiment with the relationship between the value of fractions and areas within a square or a circle with this activity. It also provides practice with viewing fractions in a circle or square and the representation on a number line. Scoring is available; however, it can be turned off to allow students to practice freely. Be sure to check out the instructor area which provides links to standards, possible classroom uses, and links to related resources.
tag(s): area (52), fractions (159), geometric shapes (135), test prep (69)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups. Provide this link on your class website for students to access both in and out of the classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Pattern Generator - Shodor
Grades
3 to 5
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides opportunities for explorations with patterns using shapes, letters and numbers. There are three different difficulty levels included. Although the activities appear...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides opportunities for explorations with patterns using shapes, letters and numbers. There are three different difficulty levels included. Although the activities appear to be simple, the patterns require some thought on the part of the user. The instructor tab includes links to standards, textbook alignment, related resources and possible questions that might arise in the classroom. Explorations questions are included that can be downloaded and used in the classroom.
tag(s): critical thinking (122), logic (161), patterns (62), problem solving (228)
In the Classroom
Demonstrate and use on the interactive whiteboard when introducing patterns and modeling how to explain patterns. Create a link to classroom computers to use as a center. Post a link on your classroom website or blog for students to practice at home. After using this site in the classroom, challenge students to create their own patterns for classmates to complete.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Number Base Clock - Shodor
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides practice in converting from base 10 to other values up to base 16. Three clocks are displayed and options are provided for choosing the value used on ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides practice in converting from base 10 to other values up to base 16. Three clocks are displayed and options are provided for choosing the value used on the clocks. Upon entering the choice, the hands on the clock turn to show the appropriate representation in the chosen base. The learner section provides information on base number systems and how they have been used in the past. The instructor section provides links to standards, place value in the curriculum, possible issues that may arise in the classroom and links to additional resources including an activity sheet.
tag(s): base ten (5), number sense (70)
In the Classroom
Provide students with the exploration questions and let them work with a partner to solve. Display the site on the interactive whiteboard or projector as a springboard to introduction of bases other than the base 10 system. Use when studying Ancient Mayans to demonstrate their counting system that used base 20.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Single Fraction Pointer - Shodor
Grades
6 to 8
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides students the opportunity to visually relate fractions within a square or circle to the representation of the same fraction on a number line. The activity begins with...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides students the opportunity to visually relate fractions within a square or circle to the representation of the same fraction on a number line. The activity begins with empty shapes, with the pointer pointing to zero. As the desired sections are colored, the pointer moves along the number line corresponding to the fraction of the shape that bas been colored. The instructor area of the website provides information on how the activity corresponds within the math curriculum, links to standards, classroom preparation and links to related resources.
tag(s): estimation (33), fractions (159), number lines (33), numbers (119)
In the Classroom
Demonstrate the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector, then allows students to explore on their own on classroom or lab computers. For assessment or accountability, have students recreate several fractions found during their exploration. Provide a link to the site on your classroom website or blog for practice at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Positive Linear Function Machine - Shodor
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides great practice with linear functions in the format of y=m*x+b. Integers between 0 and 10 are available for use. The activity can be used with or without ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides great practice with linear functions in the format of y=m*x+b. Integers between 0 and 10 are available for use. The activity can be used with or without scoring. The learner section provides a detailed explanation and examples on how to use the function machine. The instructor sections includes information on how to use the site in the classroom, links to standards and related resources. Be sure to check out the downloadable exploration questions that can be used in the classroom.
tag(s): functions (51), logic (161), patterns (62), problem solving (228)
In the Classroom
Demonstrate the site on your interactive whiteboard or projector by introducing the learner section and discussing examples included. Provide students with a copy of the explorations questions to complete on their own or with a partner. Provide a link on classroom computers to use as a classroom center. Provide a link on your classroom website or blog for students to practice at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Mixtures - Shodor
Grades
5 to 9
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides good practice with mixtures to create percent problems through 4 different activities. Activities include exploration, unknown pile, unknown percent, or unknown total....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides good practice with mixtures to create percent problems through 4 different activities. Activities include exploration, unknown pile, unknown percent, or unknown total. The site includes sections for both learners and instructors. The learners section explains how mixtures are used in the real world and the instructor section provides curriculum and standards alignments, classroom suggestions, and links to related resources. This site would also work well in a chemistry class.
tag(s): percent (59)
In the Classroom
Have students try out this site on individual computers, or as a learning center. Make a shortcut to this site on classroom computers and use it as a center. Share this link on your class website for students to access at home. This site offers multiple modes of use, so it is easy to differentiate for ability levels within your class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Linear Function Machine - Shodor
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Explore simple linear functions with this activity. The function is always a simple line of y=(m*x)+b, any integers from -10 to 10 can be inputted. You can practice algebra skills,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Explore simple linear functions with this activity. The function is always a simple line of y=(m*x)+b, any integers from -10 to 10 can be inputted. You can practice algebra skills, pattern finding, arithmetic skills, and exploring the function of variables. The instructor tab also includes standards addressed, possible issues that may come up in class discussion, and links to similar resources.
tag(s): equations (118), functions (51), patterns (62), variables (14)
In the Classroom
Display on the interactive whiteboard or projector when introducing linear functions. Explore different variables with the class and problem solving strategies to use when working with linear functions. Create a link on your classroom computer and allow students to work in pairs to create functions and predict outputs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Function Machine - Shodor
Grades
4 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides practice with linear functions with this programmable function machine. After entering a value for x, the value of y is displayed. Based on the value of y, ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site provides practice with linear functions with this programmable function machine. After entering a value for x, the value of y is displayed. Based on the value of y, students then will determine the function (add, subtract, or multiply) and the value needed using integers from -10 to +10. Teacher information includes standards, an exploration worksheet, classroom suggestions and links to similar resources.
In the Classroom
Display on the interactive whiteboard or projector to introduce and create linear functions. Create a link on your classroom computer and have students explore the site using the available worksheet. Ask students to create and test linear functions using the function machine.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
BrainBashers - Kevin Stone
Grades
3 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
BrainBashers offers many different types of puzzles, riddles, brain teasers, and optical illusions. The site is updated daily so new material is always readily available. Each time...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
BrainBashers offers many different types of puzzles, riddles, brain teasers, and optical illusions. The site is updated daily so new material is always readily available. Each time you open the site, find a new fun fact along with an odd word and its definition. The site is organized into puzzles, games, illusions, fun stuff, and logic games. Sudoku puzzles of different difficulty levels are also available. The link for teachers includes puzzles for schools and useful pages including optical illusions, memory tests, and logic puzzles.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): logic (161), problem solving (228), puzzles (144), riddles (16)
In the Classroom
Use the odd words daily for students to learn new vocabulary. Share the fun fact on your interactive whiteboard or projector as a class discussion starter. Print and share Sudoku and other puzzles as challenge activities. Use logic puzzles in class for practice with problem solving skills. Share the site on your classroom website or blog for students to access at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PuzzleMaker - Discovery
Grades
1 to 9
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Here's every parent or teacher's dream: a site that helps you make your own puzzles, word games, and math puzzlers. There is a selection of almost a dozen different formats, ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Here's every parent or teacher's dream: a site that helps you make your own puzzles, word games, and math puzzlers. There is a selection of almost a dozen different formats, each of which can be customized to meet your specific needs. Choose the puzzle type you want from the drop-down menu. Both adults and learners can create games!
tag(s): crosswords (19), puzzles (144)
In the Classroom
Create your puzzles by following the simple directions. These can be used both online and in print form. You or your students can create games for use on an interactive whiteboard (students highlight the answers in different colors). Have students create their own to challenge classmates! If you have kinesthetic learners or those with weak fine motor skills who have trouble with pencils, the whiteboard is a real help. Make it a center. Build a class collection of student-made games and puzzles for use over and over. Tip: If you take a screenshot of a word search or print it to a pdf, you can save it electronically. Screenshots: Prtscrn key on a Windows machine, then PASTE into a document; Command+shift+4 on a Mac; press both buttons at once on an iPad to save a screenshot to the camera roll.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Brain Binders - Teachnet.com
Grades
4 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This is a collection of instructions for puzzles involving paper folding. The site includes patterns which you can download and print. ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This is a collection of instructions for puzzles involving paper folding. The site includes patterns which you can download and print.
tag(s): puzzles (144)
In the Classroom
Use the printables from this page to challenge students who need extra enrichment. Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access at home for added mind-stretching fun.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Math Machines - Robert Chaney
Grades
8 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
If you are looking for ideas to incorporate mathematical problem solving with fun, hands-on activities this site is for you! Well over 20 activities are offered covering Algebra, Trigonometry,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
If you are looking for ideas to incorporate mathematical problem solving with fun, hands-on activities this site is for you! Well over 20 activities are offered covering Algebra, Trigonometry, Science/Physics, General Math, and Technology concepts. Choose a category, then select the activity and view all the materials offered. Titles include Color Sines, Right Triangle SAM, and Binary Signals. Each activity includes facilitator notes including 11 items from overview, setup, discussion questions, and troubleshooting. Most also include participant handouts in MS Word format and software needed for calculator programs.
tag(s): angles (51), critical thinking (122), electricity (62), light (54), logic (161), magnetism (37), stars (70)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students and preview each of the activities, then allow students to choose an activity for a math project. Several activities on the site are perfect for use as cross-curricular projects with the Science or Technology departments. Use this site as a resource for math or technology fairs. This site is perfect to use as a resource with gifted students - allow them to choose a project that coincides with their interests.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
50+ Ideas (and more) for the 100th - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Here's a list of 50 things you and your students can do to celebrate the 100th day of school! ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Here's a list of 50 things you and your students can do to celebrate the 100th day of school!
tag(s): 100thday (9)
In the Classroom
Email this to your colleagues or share it with parents for them to join in at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
TeachersFirst's Resources to Avoid the Summer Slide - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Encourage children and teens to keep on learning during summer break. Help them to hold on to what they already know with these safe, teacher-reviewed resources. Be sure to share ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Encourage children and teens to keep on learning during summer break. Help them to hold on to what they already know with these safe, teacher-reviewed resources. Be sure to share with your friends, neighbors, and family. Teachers will want to share this page with students departing for summer break or possibly share the school's website.
tag(s): enrichment (12), summer (28)
In the Classroom
Share the link to this special collection via your class web page, newsletter, or email to all your students as they depart for vacation. You will help parents and students alike. Avoid the "summer slide."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form