Math: Problem Solving

Pre-K-12: Instructional programs from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to formulate questions that can be addressed with problem solving.

• In Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, all students should apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.

Standards are listed with permission from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, copyright 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). NCTM does not endorse the content or validity of these alignments.

Source:Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

By substituting geometric shapes for numbers, the teacher brings variation to the popular Sudoku game. Students develop critical thinking skills as they use given shapes to find logical solutions. Students also exercise patience and focus as they complete a task. Logic-based games are excellent activities for independent practice or rainy days.

Figure A

Note: The Classic Alphabet, Capital Letters - 2 Inch (see Main Photo) has been retired. Consider substituting with Block Alphabet, Capital Letters - 2 Inch. Search this site for more 2 Inch Alphabet options.

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Glue, Marker (Black), Poster Board, Scissors, Vinyl

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Cut a 17 1/2" x 16 1/2" sheet of green cardstock or poster board.
2. Cut a 17" x 12" sheet of blue cardstock or construction paper and adhere near the bottom of the green sheet (see Main Photo).
3. Die-cut any 2" Alphabet set for the game title from black paper and adhere to the top of the green sheet. Alternately, use adhesive letters to create the title (see Main Photo).
4. With a black marker, draw a 10 1/2" square. Divide the square into 36 equal smaller squares. Draw a heavier line around each of six squares (Figure A). Laminate the game board for more durable usage.
5. Using the Pattern Block Multiples 1" Sides die-cut six each: 12-Up Trapezoids from red paper; 12-Up Rhombus from purple paper; 12-Up Squares from blue paper; 12-Up Parallelograms from orange paper; 12-Up Triangles from green paper; and 6-Up Hexagons from yellow paper. Paper may be laminated for more durable usage. poly foam or Static Cling Vinyl may also be used for the geometric shapes.
6. Students proceed to play the Sudoku game using geometric shapes. Each shape may only be used once in each of the six areas, and only once in each line both horizontally and vertically. Numbers may be substituted for geometric shapes.
7. A standard Sudoku format could also be used with nine squares and nine shapes. The Sudoku game may also be played using colors, letters or names.