critical thinking puzzles for 5th grade

Addition (Basic)

Addition (Multi-Digit)

Algebra & Pre-Algebra

Comparing Numbers

Daily Math Review (Math Buzz)

Division (Basic)

Division (Long Division)

Hundreds Charts

Measurement

Multiplication (Basic)

Multiplication (Multi-Digit)

Order of Operations

Place Value

Probability

Skip Counting

Subtraction

Telling Time

Word Problems (Daily)

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Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension Gr. 1

Reading Comprehension Gr. 2

Reading Comprehension Gr. 3

Reading Comprehension Gr. 4

Reading Comprehension Gr. 5

Reading Comprehension Gr. 6

Reading & Writing

Reading Worksheets

Cause & Effect

Daily ELA Review (ELA Buzz)

Fact & Opinion

Fix the Sentences

Graphic Organizers

Synonyms & Antonyms

Writing Prompts

Writing Story Pictures

Writing Worksheets

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Consonant Sounds

Vowel Sounds

Consonant Blends

Consonant Digraphs

Word Families

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Early Literacy

Build Sentences

Sight Word Units

Sight Words (Individual)

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Punctuation

Subjects and Predicates

More Grammar Worksheets

Spelling Lists

Spelling Grade 1

Spelling Grade 2

Spelling Grade 3

Spelling Grade 4

Spelling Grade 5

Spelling Grade 6

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Chapter Books

Charlotte's Web

Magic Tree House #1

Boxcar Children

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Animal (Vertebrate) Groups

Butterfly Life Cycle

Electricity

Matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas)

Simple Machines

Space - Solar System

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Social Studies

Maps (Geography)

Maps (Map Skills)

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Columbus Day

Veterans Day

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Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Brain Teasers

Logic:  Addition Squares

Mystery Graph Pictures

Number Detective

Lost in the USA

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Teacher Helpers

Teaching Tools

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Pre-K and Kindergarten

Alphabet (ABCs)

Numbers and Counting

Shapes (Basic)

More Kindergarten

Worksheet Generator

Word Search Generator

Multiple Choice Generator

Fill-in-the-Blanks Generator

More Generator Tools

Full Website Index

Puzzles and Brain Teasers - Full List

Build logical thinking skills with these addition square puzzles.

Challenge students with these mind-bending, critical thinking puzzles.

Assemble a cipher disk and use it to decode facts about animals, explorers, plants, and other science/social studies topics.

Students love to learn with these foldable origami cootie catcher (aka Fortune Teller) games.

This page has a nice selection of "connect the dots" puzzles. These are great for reviewing basic counting, alphabet, roman numerals, and skip counting.

Look carefully for items hidden within the playful scenes.

Build vocabulary and critical thinking skills with these analogy worksheets.

Penelope Peabody is lost somewhere in the USA. Can you tell where she is? Use the 50 states worksheet puzzles on a daily or weekly basis.

First find the answers to the math problems and plug the answers into the puzzles.

To find the answer to a funny riddle, solve the math problems. Skills include division, multiplication, subtraction, addition, place value, roman numerals, and many more.

Plot the ordered pairs on the coordinate grid and connect the points to reveal mystery pictures.

Solve the subtraction, addition, division, and multiplication facts to reveal a mystery picture.

The teacher posts a clue each day of the week. Students read the clues and try to figure out the mystery number.

Kids love these math puzzle match games! Try them in your learning centers. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, time, money and more!

Learn Sudoku with these easy, fun puzzles.

Challenge your students with these printable tangram puzzles. These worksheets are made specially for your 4-inch classroom tangram sets. Basic and advanced levels available.

Weekly "What Am I?" challenge puzzles for kids of all ages.

Students change one letter in each word on the puzzle to make a new word. These are great for teaching phonics, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Connect the letters in these maze puzzles to make words from the list. Then find a science fact written in the unused letters.

We have lots of non-holiday word search puzzles for students of all ages.

A full index of all Math, ELA, Spelling, Phonics, Grammar, Science, and Social Studies worksheets found on this website.

85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens

Have you ever thought about using fun questions to practice critical thinking?

Students may need a little guidance to think their way through questions that lack straightforward answers.

But it is that process that is important!

How the Right Questions Encourage Critical Thinking

Every parent knows how natural it is for children to ask questions. 

It should be encouraged. After all, asking questions helps with critical thinking.

As they grow older, however, training them to answer questions can be equally beneficial.

Posing questions that encourage kids to analyze, compare, and evaluate information can help them develop their ability to think critically about tough topics in the future. 

Of course, critical thinking questions for kids need to be age-appropriate—even better if you can mix a little fun into it!

That’s what I hope to help you with today. I’ve organized the questions below into three different ages groups:

• Upper elementary
• Middle school
• High school 

Get a Question-Based Critical Thinking Exercise—Free!

Introduce critical thinking gently & easily with thought-provoking exercises.

Upper Elementary

Students in upper elementary grades can be reluctant to put themselves out there, especially with answers that seem weird. 

In some cases, such hesitancy is actually fear of differing from their peers (and a barrier to critical thinking ). 

But that’s exactly why it’s important to practice answering ambiguous questions. 

We want our children to stand firm for their beliefs—not cave to peer pressure. 

Additionally, students may feel uneasy about answering serious questions, uncertain of tackling “big” problems. 

However, with careful use of creative questions for kids, it’s possible to engage even the most reluctant children in this age group. 

The idea is to simply get them interested in the conversation and questions asked.

If you have an especially reserved student, try starting with the funny critical thinking questions. 

Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. 

Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged.

With that said, here are some great questions to get you started:

1. Someone gives you a penguin. You can’t sell it or give it away. What do you do with it?

2. What would it be like if people could fly?

3. If animals could talk, what question would you ask? 

4. If you were ice cream, what kind would you be and why?

5. Do you want to travel back in time? If yes, how far back would you go? If no, why not?

6. What could you invent that would help your family? 

7. If you could stay up all night, what would you do?

8. What does the man on the moon do during the day?

9. What makes something weird or normal? 

10. Can you describe the tastes “salty” and “sweet” without using those words?

11. What does it feel like to ride a rollercoaster?

12. What makes a joke funny?

13. What two items would you take if you knew you would be stranded on an island and why?

14. Do you have a favorite way of laughing?

15. What noise makes you cringe and cover your ears? Why?

16. If you could be the parent for the day, what would you do?

17. If you could jump into your favorite movie and change the outcome, which one would you pick and why?

18. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

19. What makes a day “perfect”?

20. If you owned a store, what kind of products would you sell?

21. If your parents were your age, would you be friends with them?

22. Would you still like your favorite food if it tasted the same as always, but now had an awful smell?

23. What would you do if you forgot to put your shoes on before leaving home?

24. Who would you be if you were a cartoon character?

25. How many hot dogs do you think you could eat in one sitting?

26. If you could breathe under water, what would you explore?

27. At what age do you think you stop being a kid?

28. If you had springs in your legs, what would you be able to do?

29. Can you describe the color blue to someone if they’re blind?

Middle School

At this point, students start to acquire more complex skills and are able to form their own conclusions based on the information they’re given. 

However, we can’t expect deep philosophical debates with 12 and 13 year olds. 

That said, as parent-teachers, we can certainly begin using more challenging questions to help them examine and rationalize their thought processes. 

Browse the fun critical thinking questions below for students in this age range. 

You might be surprised to see how receptive middle school kids can be to such thought-provoking (yet still fun) questions .

30. What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

31. What does it mean to be lucky?

32. If you woke up in the middle of a dream, where would you be?

33. Is it ever okay to lie? Why or why not?

34. If you were solely responsible for creating laws, what one law would you make?

35. What makes a person a good friend?

36. What do you think is the most important skill you can take into adulthood?

37. If you had to give up lunch or dinner, which would you choose? Why?

38. How much money would you need to be considered rich?

39. If you knew you wouldn’t get caught, would you cheat on a test?

40. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

41. What is your greatest strength? How is that an asset?

42. If you had an opportunity to visit the International Space Station, would you do it?

43. Is it better to keep the peace or speak your mind?

44. Imagine yourself as your favorite animal. How would you spend your day?

45. Would you be friends with someone who didn’t have the same values as you?

46. How much screen time do you think is too much?

47. Can you describe your favorite color without naming it?

48. If you suddenly became blind, would you see things differently?

49. Would you ever go skydiving?

50. Describe the time you were the happiest in your life. Why did this make you happy?

51. If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

52. If you had to move to a new city, would you change how you present yourself to others?

53. What do you need to do in order to be famous?

54. If you could rewrite the ending of your favorite book or movie, what changes would you make?

55. How would you tackle a huge goal?

56. How would you sell ice to an eskimo in Alaska successfully?

57. What makes you unique?

High School

Critical thinking takes on an entirely different role once students reach high school. 

At this age, they have a greater sense of right and wrong (and what makes things so) as well as a better understanding of the world’s challenges.

Guiding teens to delve deeper and contemplate such things is an important part of developing their reasoning and critical thinking skills. 

Whether it’s fun questions about hypothetical superpowers or tough critical thinking questions about life, older teens typically have what it takes to think their way to a logical conclusion . 

Of course, use your discernment as you choose discussion topics, but here are some questions to help get you started:

58. How can you avoid [common problem] in the future?

59. Do you think it’s okay to take a life in order to save 5, 10, 20 or more people?

60. If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

61. Is it better to give or receive a gift?

62. How important is it to be financially secure? Why?

63. If it was up to you, what one rule would you change in your family?

64. What would you do if a group of friends wanted to do something that you thought was a bad idea?

65. How do you know that something is a fact rather than an opinion?

66. What would it take to get you to change your mind?

67. What’s the most important thing in your life?

68. If money were of no concern, what job would you choose and why?

69. How do you know if you’re happy?

70. Do you think euthanasia is moral?

71. What is something you can do today that you weren’t able to do a year ago?

72. Is social media a good thing or not?

73. Is it right to keep animals in a zoo?

74. How does your attitude affect your abilities?

75. What would you do if you found out a friend was doing something dangerous?

76. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

77. What will life on Earth look like in 50 years?

78. Which is more important, ending world hunger or global warming?

79. Is it a good idea to lower the voting age to 16? Why or why not?

80. If the electrical power went out today, how would you cook if using wood wasn’t an option?

81. If you could magically transport yourself to any other place, where would that be and why?

82. When should teenagers be able to stay out all night?

83. Does the number zero actually exist?

84. What defines a generous person?

85. Does an influential person influence everyone?

Feel free to print out these fun critical thinking questions and incorporate them into your homeschool week!

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

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Critical Thinking Puzzles Online

Discover the world of critical thinking puzzles online, where each challenge is an opportunity to sharpen your intellect and enhance your problem-solving skills. KenKen Puzzles offers an extensive array of free KenKen puzzles designed to foster critical thinking and logical analysis. These puzzles, ranging from logic puzzle games to complex reasoning games, are perfect for anyone looking to boost their cognitive abilities and engage in mentally stimulating activities. Critical thinking puzzles like the KenKen are more than just games; they are online tools for mental growth.

KENKEN for your Mobile

Fun, addicting, yet educational. The KenKen iOS and Android apps are perfect for the whole family!

Why You Should Play our Critical Thinking Puzzles Online

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Will Shortz, NY Times Crossword Puzzle Editor and NPR Puzzle Master Loves KenKen! Find out why

Rules For Playing KenKen®

The numbers you use in a KenKen puzzle depend on the size of the grid you choose. A 3 x 3 grid (3 squares across, 3 squares down) means you use the numbers 1, 2, and 3. In a 4 x 4 grid, use numbers 1 to 4. A 5x5 grid requires you use the numbers 1 to 5, and so on.

The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares, called cages, must combine (in any order) to produce the target number in the top corner using the mathematic operation indicated (+, -, ×, ÷).

Here's how you play:

• Use each number only once per row, once per column.
• Cages with just one square should be filled in with the target number in the top corner.
• A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not in the same row or column.
• To start, click on any square. A "number ring" appears with that grid's possible numbers. These numbers will also show up on the left side above the grid as the "Notes" box.
• Ready to fill a number in that square? Just click the one you want in the number ring. It will then appear in the middle of the square.

• If you'd like to repeat a note (notes) in another square, simply drag the number from the original square to the new one. Click here to see the video of how it works.
• When you've ruled out one of your notes, click on it again in the Notes box. The number will disappear from the square.
• When you fill in a number in a square (by selecting from the number ring), any notes in that square will disappear.
• Changed your mind about a number? In the number ring, click the red eraser icon to clear the square.
• To hide the number ring, click the red "X."
• How to Use the Keyboard: You can enter numbers and notes by using the keyboard. Once you’ve selected a square, you can press shift and a number key to enter (or delete) that number as a note. Or, to just enter a number in a square, press that number on the keyboard (no shift). To delete a number or note, press C.

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Critical Thinking Worksheets

• Brain Teasers - A great way to stimulate thinking. Don't worry, they come complete with answer keys.
• Compare and Contrast - Students examine differences and similarities in a variety situations.
• Dictionary Practice Worksheets - Practice your dictionary skills.
• Fact And Opinion - Students determine the validity of a body of work.
• How Many Are There? - Fun activities for examining patterns.
• Internet Search Worksheets - Fun Internet searches for students.
• Logic Puzzle - Each scenario is thought provoking. Lots of brain power needed here.
• Making Predictions - A good warm-up for inferences.
• Mazes - Your run-of-the-mill start and finish mazes.
• Name People That ...- Good creative thinking exercises.
• Name Places That ...- Good creative thinking exercises.
• Name Things That ...- Good creative thinking exercises.
• Secret Code - Students answer riddles through secret codes.
• Study Skills Worksheets - Great for test preparation.
• Sorting and Classifying - Great for meeting national standards.
• What Do You Remember? - A visual memory activity.

Activities That Improve Student Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is perhaps the most important skill we need. It is paramount not just for job success but also for making the best decisions in crucial life matters.

As an educator, you should explain to your students that almost all our mistakes can be attributed to a lack of critical thinking. You can pick just about any big blunder you made in the past. You will invariably find that it transpired because of a failure to think critically.

Remember, the best thing you can do as a teacher is to inculcate a strong sense of critical thinking in your students.

Here are the activities that will help students to develop critical thinking.

Discuss Cognitive Biases

There are myriad cognitive biases.

The fact of the matter is we succumb to these biases at some point in our lives. Hence, it pays to study these biases.

You can pick those biases you think are the most detrimental and insidious. You should then explain them to your students to learn to identify and avoid these biases.

Perhaps the most dangerous bias by far is the Optimism bias. It may sound rather innocuous because of the word ‘optimism’. However, it is far more sinister in reality.

Optimism bias tends to think that bad things won't happen to us - they will happen to others only. For example, many think they won't suffer a fatal car crash. Hence, some get involved in overspeeding and texting while driving despite knowing their perils. No wonder these two reckless acts are the main reasons for fatal car crashes.

Writing About Biases

After elucidating various biases and providing simple examples to help them grasp these concepts, you can instruct your students to write about adverse events in their lives when they succumbed to these biases.

What did you learn? What were the consequences? These are further questions you can ask.

Talking about one’s mistakes is never easy. It is hard to concede that we are wrong at times. However, if we want to become better human beings and find success, we must learn from our mistakes. But the first step entails admitting one’s mistakes.

This will also instill humility and reduce overconfidence.

Avoiding Biases – The Easy Way 

All biases and ensuring blunders are avoidable with one simple trick.

It just takes one word to get smarter – “why”. That is, you should question everything. As simple as that.

In particular, you should question all that you do and think.

Write it down first whenever you are about to take action or form an opinion about something. Then in front of it, just write “why?” You can then brainstorm and write for and against the idea in logical points.

If you make this a regular habit, you will avoid many mistakes and regrets. You will also maximize positive returns from your decisions.

Explain It to a 6-Year Old

This is something that can greatly benefit students in their academic endeavors.

We are inclined to think that we understand what has been just said. But just nodding along is not enough. You should be able to explain it to others.

The good news is that this goes far beyond altruism. In truth, it is self-empowerment. When you explain an abstruse concept to others, you bolster your own understanding of the same. Reiterating something embeds it more deeply into your long-term memory.

The social factor may also be beneficial and fruitful.

Do Your Research

Teach students to challenge common perceptions and conventional wisdom.

Explain carefully that this entails walking a fine line. You don't want to be dismissive, nor do you want to be naive. Instead, you should have an open mind and a willingness to do your research carefully.

Inform students about consulting reliable online sources. Explain that it is best to consider multiple authentic sources. Don't be satisfied with just the first entry in Google search results.

Here's how you can instill the importance of research in your students.

Instruct your students to research air pollution in the US. Those who do their research more meticulously will find that indoor air pollution is far deadlier than outdoor air pollution.

Tell them that they found out this key health fact courtesy of research. You can further instruct them to find ways of mitigating these risks.

Motivate your students to do research by telling them that they will be pleasantly surprised at the wealth of knowledge that they can uncover via dedicated research.

Beware of Disinformation

Disinformation is ubiquitous these days. It has become a weapon of choice for bad actors ranging from rogue states to unscrupulous individuals.

Critical thinking can help dispel misinformation and prevent you from becoming its victim.

You should help kids to detect and deal with weapons of mass distraction.

There was a time when fake news was disseminated largely via social media.

It is being spread by state-sponsored groups masquerading as legitimate media outlets on the internet. The scope and scale of these fake news campaigns are staggering to say the least.

One such fake news campaign involved no less than 750 fake sites posing as media outlets. Disinformation from this notorious racket reached millions around the globe and even found its way to UN and European Parliament meetings.

You can instruct kids in your class to do a project on internet disinformation, complete with case studies. You should also tell them to write about all possible ways to spot fakes and scams.

Bottom Line

Shown above are the activities to develop critical thinking in students.

You might agree that cultivating this key ability in your students is one of the best things you did for them. 

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10 Teacher-Tested Visual Brain Teasers to Try in Your Classroom

Written by Holly (Teach Starter)

Using visual brain teasers in the classroom encourages critical thinking in your students, and let’s face it: Kids love this kind of game-based learning! We have searched the internet for some simple, yet effective brain games that will encourage logical thinking and help your students develop those all-important problem-solving skills.

How to Use Brain Teasers in the Classroom

Before we dive in, let’s talk about some of our teacher team’s favorite uses for visual brain teasers in the classroom. This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it may spark inspiration.

• Project brain teasers onto your white board in the morning to serve as a bell-ringer activity as students enter the classroom in the morning. (These Google Slides full of brain teasers are perfect for projecting!)
• Use brain teasers as a warm-up activity to get your students in thinking mode.
• Print out visual brain teasers that students can select as a fast finisher activity.
• As a community builder activity. Build community in your classroom with low stakes group work! Assign small groups of students a brain teaser or brain game that they have to solve together to encourage teamwork.

Visual Brain Teasers for Kids

The answers to these brainteasers can all be found at the end of this post, so we won’t give them away until you’ve had a chance to do a little mental workout and improve your own lateral thinking before you try them out with your students.

1. What Comes Next?

Let’s start with a brainteaser for pattern recognition. Can your students work out which patterned block goes in the fourth spot?

2. How Many Blocks Are in This Tower?

A brainteaser to test students’ spatial visualization and their ability to study 3D shapes . Can your students determine how many blocks are in this 3D tower?

Studying 3D shapes? This interactive slide deck has 30 slides to introduce real-life 3D objects!

3. Spatial Visualization Test

This brainteaser is great to test spatial visualization. Students have to mentally put together the 3D cube to determine the correct net.

Print out 3D nets to turn the brain teaser into a hands-on activity!

4. How Many Triangles?

In this visual brainteaser, students need to put their brains to work to figure how many triangles there are in the image.

Explore our teacher team’s favorite resources for teaching about triangles !

5. How Many Squares?

This one is similar to the brain game above; however this time, students need to figure out how many squares they can see.

6. Move one glass only…

In this visual brainteaser, students can see three glasses on the left that are full and three on the right that are empty. If they make one small change, they can make a row of alternately full and empty glasses, but they only do one change! What do they have to do?

Once they’ve figured out the answer, how about trying a kid-friendly STEM experiment with water ?

The matchstick test is a great problem-solving brainteaser. Students need to remove six matches to make 10. Which ones do they move?

8. Top View

In this non-verbal brainteaser, students must figure out which is the top view. You may like to time them to see who can work out this one the quickest…

9. Which Parking Spot?

This visual brainteaser was spotted on a Hong Kong first-grade student admissions test, and it’s a great puzzle to encourage children to think laterally. Can you work it out? Apparently, children around the age of 6 are much more likely to solve this problem than older students and even adults.

10. What Do We Weigh?

This is a great mathematical problem-solving activity for students to figure out the weight of a frog, sheep, and horse. Can they do the math to find out how much each individual animal weighs and then determine the total weight of all three?

Finished these visual brain teasers with your class? Check out some of our printable brain teaser resources that can be sent home with your students for some game-based learning at home or right in the classroom:

[resource:8008] [resource:12844] [resource:12383] [resource:6247]

Don’t forget the 20 brainteaser task cards that get your students moving and thinking, using common classroom supplies such as crayons to solve problems.

• Opposite squares are exchanged in this problem, so the answer is A.
• There are 9 blocks.
• B and C can be immediately rejected visually. D will create a mirror image of the given cube. So the correct answer is A.
• There are 44 triangles.
• There are 40 squares.
• Pour the second glass from the left into the empty glass second from the right.
• You can make the word ‘ten’ by removing the bottom matchstick and two side matchsticks from the first letter. The far-right matchstick on the second letter and the top and bottom matchstick on the third letter.
• The answer is C.
• Turn the picture upside down. You will then see the following number sequence: 86, ?, 88, 89, 90, 91. So the answer is 87.
• Calculations will determine the weight of the horse is 17 kg, the frog weighs 3 kg, and the sheep weighs 7 kg. The total weight is 27 kg!

30 Buzzing Facts About Bees to Excite Kids About Nature

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21 Epic Last Day of School Activities to Kick Off Summer Break

Looking for easy last day of school ideas for elementary or middle school? These quick and fun end of year classroom activities will help you finish off your year just right!

70 1st Grade Books to Add to Your Classroom Reading Corner This Year

Wondering which 1st grade books you should add to your classroom library? Look no further! We have a list of 70 that are teacher (and student) approved!

22 Fun Groundhog Facts to Share With Your Class on Groundhog Day

Need fun groundhog facts to share with your students this Groundhog Day? Find out what groundhogs eat, where they live and why we let them predict the weather!

How to Teach 1st Grade — The Ultimate Guide to What to Do, What to Buy and What to Teach

Looking for tips on teaching first grade? Our comprehensive 1st grade teacher guide will answer all your questions from what to buy to how to prepare for the first day of school and what to do throughout the school year.

10 Best Pencil Sharpeners for the Classroom — Recommended by Teachers

Need new pencil sharpeners in your classroom? We've rounded up 10 best pencil sharpeners recommended by teachers to get you started.

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Printable Logic Puzzles for Kids

Here’s a brand new set of worksheets to teach critical math skills: printable logic puzzles for kids! There are 9 puzzles varying from easy to intermediate to difficult. Each worksheet already has a data grid drawn out for kids to practice their deductive reasoning skills. They all also have an answer key – I was never very good at logic puzzles when I was a kid. So I appreciate being able to ensure students are on the right track without having to do each puzzle myself!

We have these puzzles and more in our Big Brain Teasers Book for Kids !

Beginner and Easy Printable Logic Puzzles for Kids

Intermediate Logic Puzzles for Kids

Difficult Logic Puzzles for Kids

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About the author

Founder and CEO of Woo! Jr. Kids Activities, Wendy loves creating crafts, activities and printables that help teachers educate and give parents creative ways to spend time with their children.

I am very interested in these logic puzzles, but the “Click To Print” button is not working for me. Would you have any suggestions as to why? Thank you!!

Hi Jessica – you need to have javascript enabled in your browser. Hope that helps!

Your logic puzzles would be perfect for some students I work with. Is it OK to reproduce them for students at a school as long as they’re attributed to you? Or would you limit the number of students I could use them with? Or? Thanks David

Hi David – we have free unlimited use for educational purposes. As long as you aren’t charging for the use, you are free to use them in your classroom as much as you’d like!

This is an awesome website. I wish there were more.

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20 Critical Thinking Activities For Elementary Classrooms: Navigating Fact And Fiction (+Resources)

December 1, 2023 //  by  Seda Unlucay

With the barrage of mainstream news, advertising, and social media content out there, it’s vital for students to think independently and learn to differentiate between fact and fiction.

This series of critical thinking activities, STEM-based design challenges, engaging Math puzzles, and problem-solving tasks will support students in thinking rationally and understanding the logical connection between concepts.

1. Teach Students How to Obtain Verifiable News 

There’s probably no 21st-century skill more important than differentiating between real and fake sources of news. This editable PowerPoint bundle covers traditional media, social networks, and various target audiences and teaches students how to find verifiable facts.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

2. Watch and Discuss a Critical Reasoning Video

This kid-friendly video teaches students to break arguments down into claims, evidence, and reasoning. Armed with this lifelong learning tool, they will be able to make more informed decisions when consuming all types of information.

Learn More: Brain Pop

3. Complete a Critical Design Challenge

This science and designed-based classroom activity challenges students to find ways to prevent a falling egg from breaking. Pairing it with the classic Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme is sure to inspire many creative ideas.

Learn More:  Education

4. Critical Community Engagement Activity 

This community engagement activity requires analytical skills to determine what items can be recycled in the classroom and in their neighborhood. By creating recycling bins from reusable cardboard boxes, students have an opportunity to contribute to the environmental well-being of their community while practicing social responsibility.

Learn More: Kaboom

5. Develop Logical Skills with a Then and Now Activity

We may no longer use candles for reading or quill pens for writing, but can your students identify the objects that have replaced them? This activity engages their writing, drawing, and logical skills while giving them a chance to reflect on all the changes in our modern world.

Learn More: Education

6. Play a Critical Thinking Game

This active learning activity requires students to use their critical thinking skills to make comparisons and create meaningful analogies. The fun animal safari theme is sure to inspire many funny and creative ideas!

7. Develop Social-Emotional Problem-Solving Skills 

Through this lesson, students will understand that while conflicts are a normal part of life, it’s vital to have problem-solving skills to resolve them. This is also an excellent opportunity for developing their social awareness and relationship skills.

Learn More: ED Foundations

8. Desert Island Survival Game 

This classic game is sure to inspire student engagement, as they use their critical thinking skills to survive being stranded on a desert island. Students have to watch out for ideological assumptions and question ideas in order to determine the appropriate items to bring.

9. Play a Problem-Solving Treasure Hunt Game 

This exciting game for kids requires them to use key math skills to break a series of codes. With ample time, designated progress monitors, and sharp critical thinking skills, students are sure to find the hidden treasure.

Learn More: Twinkl

10. Use Writing to Increase Critical Empathy

This activity builds writing fluency while giving students a chance to show appreciation for each other. As they reflect emphatically on their classmates’ contributions and character, their base level of kindness and sense of ethical responsibility is bound to increase.

Learn More: Edutopia

11. Learn How to Make Logical Inferences

This activity for kids teaches the critical academic skill of making inferences from a series of texts. Students will surely enjoy playing the role of detective in order to draw their own logical conclusions.

Learn More:  Study

12. Think Critically About Cultural Assumptions 

This engaging activity for students challenges them to think critically about why people from a variety of cultures decorate their bodies. It helps them to break through cultural assumptions while comparing and contrasting the different forms of hand and body painting around the world.

Learn More:  Harmony

13. Big Paper Silent Reflection Activity 

After posing some open-ended questions, students silently write their responses with colored markers on large chart paper. After each group has circulated around the room, students can share their critical reflections and learn from the various perspectives of their classmates.

Learn More:  Slideshare

14. Watch a TED Video About the Socratic Method

Socrates is one of the forefathers of critical thinking, who focused on making his students thinking visible by questioning their logic and reasoning. The accompanying quiz and discussion questions are an excellent way to reinforce student learning.

Learn More:  Ted Ed

15. Brainstorm Ways to Help a Homeless Person

This lesson in civic responsibility teaches students about the causes of homelessness and guides them to find ways to help the homeless in their communities. It develops key problem-solving skills while building critical empathy.

Learn More:  National Homeless.org

16. Guess the Object Game

This video features a series of twenty zoomed-in mystery objects. Students will love using their critical thinking skills to guess each one!

Learn More:  Andy – The ESL Guy

17. Solve Some Challenging Math Brain Teasers

This abundant series of brain teasers is the perfect choice if you’re looking to test your children’s memory and problem-solving skills. Encourage them to use their knowledge of numbers to complete these tricky math problems that are not only designed to challenge your little brainiacs but are also compiled in an easy-to-use format.

Learn More: Mental Up

18. Complete a STEM Elevator Challenge

In this design and engineering-based lesson, students have to build a functional elevator that can carry an object to the top of a structure. It’s a terrific way to encourage cooperative learning while sharpening their problem-solving skills.

Learn More:  Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers

19. Create the Perfect Farm 

There’s no better way to develop critical thinking skills than by solving real-world problems. This video encourages students to think about ways to feed a growing global population in an environmentally sustainable way.

20. Solve Logic Grid Puzzles

These logic grid puzzles will motivate students to use logical reasoning skills and the process of elimination to solve a series of clues. But be warned, they are highly addictive and difficult to put down once you get started!

Learn More:  Puzzle Baron’s Logic Puzzles

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Worksheet library: critical thinking: grades 3-5.

Visit Education World's Worksheet Library for a wide variety of free printables for use across the curriculum and across the grades.

Quotes Solve the math problems to get the letters to a quote. (Grades 3-5)

Jokes Solve the math problems to get the letters to a joke. (Grades 3-5)

The Old House Use math to figure out how to fix the old house. (Grades 3-5)

Balance Algebra Use Algebra to balance the scales. (Grades 3-5)

Balance Benders Given some facts, which objects weight will even off the scales? (Grades 3-5)

Paper Folding Draw how a folded sheet of paper with holes punched in it will look when unfolded. (Grades 3-5)

Analogies With Shapes Which shape completes the analogy? (Grades 3-5)

Penguin Color the thermometer to show the freezing point, then complete the picture of the pengin. (Grades 3-5)

Name That City Read the story. Then make an inference based on the evidence in the story. (Grades 3-5)

Von Bayers Girlfriend Read the true story. Then make an inference based on the evidence in the story. (Grades 3-5)

Whale of a Good Time Read the story. Then make an inference based on the evidence in the story. (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason (#2) Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason (#3) Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason (#4) Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason (#5) Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Rhyme and Reason (#6) Can you figure out the subjects of these simple rhymes? (Grades 3-5)

Antarctica Find 8 errors in this brief article about Antarctica. (Grades 3-5)

The Mystery of the Loch Ness Monster Find 7 errors in this brief article about the Loch Ness monster. (Grades 3-5)

Big Sky Country A friendly letter about Montana helps reinforce letter-writing skills. (Grades 3-5)

Common Nouns Find and write six common nouns found in each picture. (Grades 3-5)

Math Analogies Can you correctly complete each of these math analogies? (Grades 3-5)

Math Analogies (#2) Can you correctly complete each of these math analogies? (Grades 3-5)

The Best Pancake Recipe Find the math answers in this story about Olgas sleepover party. (Grades 3-5)

The Color Spinner Who is most likely to win the Color Spinner game? (Grades 3-5)

Leafy Lengths Complete the graph to show the length of the leaves that Luis and Amy found. (Grades 3-5)

Allowance Graph Answer questions about a graph that show how much allowance five kids get. (Grades 3-5)

Line of Symmetry Which of the six shapes shown on this page are symmetrical? (Grades 3-5)

Find the Nickname These clues will help you figure out each kids nickname. (Grades 3-5)

Order of Age Use the clues to order three kids ages from youngest to oldest. (Grades 3-5)

Lots of Rocks Use the clues to figure out the locations of three rocks. (Grades 3-5)

Theyre in the Band Use the clues to figure out which instrument each kid plays. (Grades 3-5)

Novel Thinking Read the definition. Write the vocabulary word and its part of speech. (Grades 3-5)

Maniac Magee Answer questions with evidence in this excerpt from Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. (Grades 3-5)

The Moon by Night Answer questions with evidence in this excerpt from The Moon by Night by Madeleine LEngle. (Grades 3-5)

Sideways Stories from Wayside School Answer questions about this excerpt from Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. (Grades 3-5)

Pass the Salt Use evidence from this story to answer the questions about it. (Grades 3-5)

Science Detective: Cells Read the article. Then answer the True/False questions about it. (Grades 4-8)

Science Detective: Change of Phase Use evidence from this article about friction and states of matter to answer the questions. (Grades 4-7)

Scratch Your Brain Use addition and subtraction to figure out solutions to these brain benders. (Grades 3-5)

From One Word to the Next Change a letter in the previous word to make the word that completes each phrase. (Grades 3-5)

Root Words Complete this activity about words that have /capt/ or /tact/ as a root. (Grades 3-5)

Spelling Challenge Circle the word in each group that is correctly spelled. Yes, you can use your dictionary. (Grades 5-8)

Prefixes and Roots Complete this activity about words that have /phone/ as their root. (Grades 3-5)

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Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and receive top education news, lesson ideas, teaching tips and more! No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in education! COPYRIGHT 1996-2016 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT 1996 - 2024 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SchoolNotes.com The Educator's Network Filter Results clear all filters Resource Type Worksheets  Guided Lessons Lesson Plans Hands-on Activities Interactive Stories Online Exercises Printable Workbooks Science Projects Song Videos middle-school Math  Reading & Writing  Social emotional Arts & crafts  Coloring  Holidays  Printable Board Games Travel Games Puzzles & Sudoku  Word Puzzles Word Search Fitness & Exercise Memory Games Pop Culture & Events  Seasonal  Teacher Resources  Common Core  Fifth Grade Puzzles & Sudoku Worksheets and Printables Grades 6-12 School Leaders Get 50% off your first box of Home Chef! 🥙 30 Thought-Provoking Math Puzzles for Middle Schoolers Critical thinking, trial and error, and pure logic abound. Tired of your tried-and-true math routine? Chances are if you’re feeling the itch to incorporate new activities into your math time, your students are as well. Mixing it up in math class can bring fresh perspectives to stale concepts or standards, and your students will enjoy stretching their brains in different ways with these middle school math puzzles. Critical thinking, trial and error, and pure logic abound in these 30 though-provoking puzzles. Get ready to reignite your middle schoolers’ excitement for math! (Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!) Sudoku is way more than just an activity to pass the time on long-haul flights. This math puzzle is actually a fantastic problem-solving activity for middle schoolers. Kick-starting your typical math class with a Sudoku puzzle will have your students thinking critically, practicing trial and error, and looking at math in a totally different way. Plus, you can differentiate by providing Easy, Medium, and Difficult puzzles. Learn more: Sodoku Puzzles To Print 2. 5 Pirates Puzzle Ahoy and shiver me timbers! This logic puzzle is perfect for a small-group activity to get your middle schoolers working together to solve the conundrum of how pirates plan to share treasure among themselves. Multiple scenarios will play out in this puzzle, so scaffolding with problem-solving strategies is a must. Learn more:  5 Pirates Puzzles/Math Is Fun 3. Fives Challenge Puzzle This puzzle is perfect for reviewing addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction and would be a great activity to do when gearing up to teach order of operations. Students could work in pairs or small groups to riddle out each target number. Learn more:  Fives Challenge Puzzle/Math = Love 4. Beehive Puzzle Perfect for a station during math rotation or for a rainy-day recess activity, this logic puzzle involves creating a beehive shape without having any squares of the same color touching each other. Students can practice trial and error as well as problem-solving. Learn more:  Beehive Puzzle/Math = Love ADVERTISEMENT 5. Guess My Number Guess My Number is just as much a riddle as it is a math puzzle. Students use their number sense to determine the number in question. As an extension activity, students can come up with their own clues and trade them with a classmate to solve. Learn more:  Guess My Number/Education.com 6. Math Riddles Perfect for a morning warmup, these middle school math puzzles activate all kinds of math knowledge. You can poll the class and have them show their work before clicking to reveal the correct answer. This site even has more challenging puzzles if your middle schoolers fly through the easier ones. Learn more:  Math Riddles/Get Riddles My seventh graders loved playing this puzzle as an early-finisher activity. Though the idea is simple (move the tiles until two of the same numbers touch), it’s actually great for recognizing exponents and also for thinking strategically. Learn more:  2048/Prodigy 8. Magic Squares Magic Squares have been around for thousands of years, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The 3×3 grid is a great size to introduce to your students and then work up to larger and more complex grids. You can even bring this puzzle off the paper and have your students write the grid out in sidewalk chalk, or write the numbers on water bottle caps to make a fun tactile activity. Learn more:  Magic Squares/Prodigy 9. Impossible Domino Bridge Using dominoes to build a seemingly impossible bridge is a perfect activity for the first day or week of a new school year. Your students can work together in small groups and get to know one another as they attempt to construct the bridge that looks like it could turn into a game of Jenga at any moment. Learn more:  Impossible Domino Bridge/Math = Love 10. Math Picture Puzzles Your students communicate through emojis anyway, so why not get math involved? This self-checking site allows them to work independently (on the honor system) and also choose between three levels of difficulty. Students can take this idea to the next level, create their own emojis, and arrange them in number sentences for their classmates to solve. Learn more: Picture Puzzles/MathEasily.com 11. What Is the Weight? Sometimes you just need a quick resource to get your students working on solving a math puzzle. This puzzle comes from an app, so you can have it downloaded on your students’ iPads or tablets. Middle schoolers will focus on determining the weights of different animals, which is good practice for estimating and working with customary/metric units of measurement. Learn more: Brain Teasers/Mental Up 12. Colorku Math doesn’t always have to be just about numbers. This board game uses colors and patterns to focus on analyzing sequences, and would be great to have on hand for those rainy-day recesses as well as for inclusion in a math station. Further, Colorku can be used as a calm-down tool or even a fidget tool. Buy it: Colorku at Amazon 13. Rubik’s Cube Rubik’s Cubes made a major comeback in popularity when I taught fifth grade. My students would happily sit together at recess to race each other to see who could solve the cube faster. Though entertaining, Rubik’s Cubes are also suited to teach students about growth mindset, spacial awareness, and 3D space. Buy it: Rubik’s Cube at Amazon 14. SafeCracker Though this puzzle looks like something out of an Indiana Jones quest, it’s actually a tactilely engaging tool that will delight even your most resistant math learners. The goal is to align the wheel into columns where the sum adds up to 40. You might need to get more than one of these middle school math puzzles for your classroom. Buy it: SafeCracker at Amazon 15. “T” Brain Teaser Puzzle In addition to sparking structural design creativity, this boxed wooden puzzle challenges middle schoolers to engage in trial and error as they work at fitting 50+ pieces into a cube. Much of math is learning how to persevere through tricky problems or procedures, and this puzzle definitely fosters that. Buy it: T Brain Teaser at Amazon 16. Multistep Equation Puzzle Solve-and-sort puzzles add flair to repeatedly solving different variations of a math problem for practice. In this free puzzle, students will need to not only solve the equations with variables on both sides, they will also need to sort the problem based on if their solution is positive or negative in order to uncover the secret word. Get it: Solve-and-Sort Puzzle/Teachers Pay Teachers In this variation of a classic Sudoku puzzle, students practice critical thinking and exercise their knowledge of how the four math operations work. The best thing about these types of puzzles is that the differentiation potential is endless. Students can solve smaller puzzles with addition, or use only prime numbers in a more complex multiplication problem. Learn more: Yohaku 18. Jigmaze One of the Standards for Mathematical Practices is perseverance, and all teachers know that this is a tough one to instill in students, even more so if students are struggling in foundational skills. This type of puzzle can be used to strengthen perseverance as students physically arrange and rearrange pieces of a broken maze. Learn more: Jigmaze/Math = Love 19. Flexagons Flexagons, octaflexagons, and dodecaflexagons (say that one 10 times fast!) are a mathematical take on traditional origami. Through constructing these paper creations, your students will get exposure to geometrical terms such as faces ,  equilateral triangles , and all manner of types of 3D shapes. Get it: Flexagons/Medium 20. Möbius Strip Though the high-level mathematical equation may be well above your students’ heads (and mine too, if I’m being honest), the STEAM-centered concept of a Möbius strip can be a fun one to explore and create (no need to go into cosines and conversational belts). Middle school math puzzles for the win! Get it for free: Make a Möbius/STEAMsational In this complex-looking puzzle, the goal is for the sum of each vertical or horizontal line to match the number given at the beginning of the row or column. This site comes with a great explanation on exactly what that means and how to achieve it. A Kakuro puzzle would be a great “learn as you go” activity for students where they really must pay close attention to the instructions to be able to understand the goal. Learn more: Kakuro/Braingle 22. Number Searches This school district’s site has tons of grade-specific number puzzles that would be perfect for when you need to be out of the classroom and have a substitute teacher. They are ready to be printed and contain easy explanations for your students. Check out the number searches, patterns, and 3D riddles. Learn more: Number Searches/Cranbury School District 23. Two Truths and One Lie The tried-and-true icebreaker used at many a staff meeting and the first week of school, Two Truths and One Lie can also be used to review and practice tons of mathematical concepts. These middle school math puzzles cover concepts such as negative numbers, fractions, and a ton more. Buy it: Two Truths & One Lie Math Edition at Amazon 24. Adding Integers Puzzle The objective of this cuttable resource is for students to solve the integer problem and match up expressions that end up having the same sum. The multiple size options are great for differentiation or to make this independent activity into a small-group collaborative activity. Buy it: Adding Integers at Teachers Pay Teachers 25. Perfect Square Roots For upper middle school students, this square-roots puzzle helps with the recognition of perfect square roots. Rather than simply memorizing the perfect square roots, students work to identify and spell out the specific square root and ensure that it fits within the crossword. In this way, the puzzle is self-checking as well. Buy it: Square Roots Crossword at Teachers Pay Teachers 26. Factor Tree Challenge Factor trees are an effective way to visually show students the factors of numbers. Trees allow a chain of multiple factors, so you can start with a large number and end up with “branches” that show all of the factors. Once your middle schoolers are familiar with this concept, have them explore this self-checking challenge (and many others as well) that will test their knowledge of abstract factors. Learn more: Prime Challenges/Transum 27. Ludicross Another take on Sudoku, Ludicross is interactive in that students can drag and drop the number into position with the goal of making the sum of the numbers in both diagonals the same. Like several of the other puzzles mentioned in this list, students can take this number puzzle to the next level by creating their own and swapping with a classmate to solve. Learn more: Ludicross/Transum 28. Interactive Mobiles These colorfully shaped mobiles are a unique way for students to make pattern associations. Because these puzzles are self-paced, students can begin with a simple puzzle and work their way up to complex mobiles with three or more shapes. Try it: Mobiles/SolveMe Puzzles 29. Deleting Sheep This logic puzzle is a doozy! The objective is to remove only two numbers in each row with the result being that each horizontal and vertical line equals 30. Trial and error and problem-solving skills abound in this puzzle, and it will keep your middle schoolers engaged for quite some time. Get it: Deleting Sheep/Dover Publications 30. Pips Puzzle Have any spare decks of cards lying around your classroom? This inexpensive item provides a different take on a Magic Square. Students can work in small groups, and maybe you can ignite a little class competition to see which groups can complete the challenge the fastest. Buy it: Pips Puzzle/Math = Love Looking for more engaging math resources? Try these Magical Math Puzzles and Number Tricks To Wow Your Students . Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and tricks when you sign up for our free newsletters . You Might Also Like How I Use Kahoot! in Middle School Math Linear expression, integers, and variables … oh my! Continue Reading Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 45 Fun and Clever Brain Teasers for Kids with Answers! Written by Laney Kennedy Game Based Learning What brain teasers are The benefits of brain teasers for kids Math brain teasers for kids Sometimes keeping your students engaged during a (long) school day feels like a losing battle. How do you gain their full attention while teaching the skills they need to succeed? How do you turn tough and intimidating concepts into fun, entertaining lessons that actually spark life in the classroom?  Brain teasers for kids are a great form of game-based learning that not only entertain children but also inspire some creative thought in the classroom. People of all ages can indulge in these playful — yet challenging — activities. And some examples of when teachers might want to use brain teasers are on a bulletin board in the classroom, as a partnered activity to start a new concept or lesson, or during a rainy day indoor recess box. We’ve gathered 45 examples of brain teasers for kids with answers, organized by category: Table of Contents Language brain teasers for kids : Riddles ; Language associations ; Lateral thinking problems. Math brain teasers for kids : Math riddles ;  Pattern problems ;  Prodigy. Visual brain teasers for kids : Spot the difference ;  Rebus puzzles ;  Optical illusions ;  Stroop effect test. Use the list below to find the perfect brain teaser for your class! What are brain teasers? Before you explore our examples, you might be wondering what brain teasers actually are. Cambridge Dictionary defines a brain teaser as “a problem for which it is hard to find the answer, especially one which people enjoy trying to solve as a game.” Brain teasers are a type of puzzle — and as the list below reveals, they come in many different forms. Often presented as a riddle, question or activity, brain teasers require a little extra brainpower to solve. It's important to note that if you have any English language learners in your class, brain teasers for kids might pose a challenge for them. If that's the case, they might need you to walk them through the brain teaser more closely, or you can find ones that better suit their language level. Brain teasers for kids differ from other complex or abstract problems because they’re usually done for fun. Although you can use them to analyze problem-solving and critical thinking skills, they’re often used as an amusing activity to encourage logical and lateral thinking , or thinking “outside the box.” 45 Brain teasers for kids We’ve compiled a list of language, math and visual brain teasers to get your students thinking. Get inspired by the examples below — including answers! Language brain teasers for kids When you hear the term “brain teaser,” a riddle is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Riddles are perplexing — sometimes misleading — questions or statements that require creative thought to solve. Riddles are usually fun, and plenty of them can add some humour to your classroom. Enjoy our list of riddles for kids below! a) Billy’s mother had five children. The first was named Lala, the second was named Lele, the third was named Lili, the fourth was named Lolo. What was the fifth child named? b) Choose the correct sentence: “The yolk of the egg is white” or “the yolk of the egg is white.” c) It’s as light as a feather, but the strongest person can’t hold it for more than five minutes. What is it? d) The more there is, the less you see. What is it? e) What gets more wet while it dries? f) You can find it in Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, but not in Venus or Neptune. What is it? g) It likes food, but water kills it. What is it? h) What’s full of holes but can still hold water? i) Which is heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks? j) How far can a dog run into the woods? k) You’re driving a city bus. At the first stop, three women get on. At the second stop, one woman gets off and a man gets on. At the third stop, two children get on. The bus is blue and it’s raining outside in December. What colour is the bus driver’s hair? l) There are three houses. One is red, one is blue and one is white. If the red house is to the left of the house in the middle, and the blue house is to the right of the house in the middle, where’s the white house? m) It’s at the center of gravity and you can find it in Venus, but not Mars. What is it? n) What goes on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening?  (This is from the classic myth,  Oedipus and the Riddle of the Sphinx ) o) What travels faster: heat or cold? p) A man was walking in the rain in the middle of nowhere without a coat or an umbrella. He got soaked, but not a single hair on his head was wet. How can this be? q) A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed in town for three days and rode back out on Friday. How is this possible? b) Neither. Egg yolks are yellow, not white! f) The letter “R” h) A sponge i) Neither. Both weigh a pound! j) Halfway. Once it reaches halfway, it’s running  out  of the woods. k) Whatever colour your hair is. Remember, you’re driving the bus! l) In Washington, D.C. m) The letter “V” n) A human. The times of day represent stages of human life. At the beginning of life, a baby crawls on four “feet.” As a person gets older, they walk on two feet. Later in life, a person will walk on three “feet” (two feet, plus a cane to help them walk). o) Heat travels faster because you can catch a cold! p) He was bald. q) The horse’s name was Friday. As a bonus, use these riddles to challenge preconceived notions and get students thinking about natural bias . a) Two boxers are in a match scheduled for 12 rounds. (Pure boxing only - no kicking, UFC takedowns, or anything else). One of the boxers gets knocked out after only six rounds, yet no man throws a punch. How is this possible? b) A father and son have a car accident and both are very injured. They are taken to separate hospitals for treatment. When the boy is taken in for an operation, the surgeon says, “I can’t do this surgery…. this boy is my son!” How is this possible? a) The two boxers are women. b) The surgeon is the boy’s mother. 2. Language associations These brain teasers for kids explore the complexities of the English language. Use them to boost student knowledge of sounds, words, spelling, categorization and more.a)  Word association : find a word that associates with the following sets of words. Cake, swiss, cottage Glasses, screen, day Cream, cube, cap Knife, fly, cup b) Find the mystery word . Replace the third letter of each word with a new letter to create a different word. When read vertically, the new letters will reveal the mystery word. For example, the word MA K E could become MA R E, MA L E, MA T E and so on. It’s your job to figure out which one works to create the mystery word.  Hint: It’s something you’ll find outside. c) Find rhyming pairs . Unscramble the words below so that each pair of words rhymes. RBAE & HREAS WNROED & UTRHNDE TUGHAT & HBTUGO ODULC & ODOG Mystery word: FLOWER BEAR (or BARE) & SHARE WONDER & THUNDER TAUGHT & BOUGHT COULD & GOOD You can also use printable brain teasers for kids like this one: Image source: Spelling Words Well Answer: The “happy word” is SMILE. 3. Lateral thinking problems Lateral thinking problems require creative thinking with an indirect approach. These questions require logic and careful thought to solve. The most notable example of a lateral thinking problem is the classic Monty Hall problem . Here are two examples of lateral thinking problems kids can try to solve. a) The river crossing problem Image source: Popular Mechanics A farmer is travelling with a fox, a goose, and a bag of beans. During his journey, he comes across a river with a boat to cross it. The farmer can only fit one thing in the boat with him at a time. If left alone together, the fox will eat the goose or the goose will eat the beans. How does the farmer get everything across the river safely? b) The light bulb problem There are three light switches outside of a room-- labeled number one, number two, and number three. The door to the room is closed and you can’t see in. All three switches are off. You need to figure out which switch belongs to which bulb. You can use the switches however you want to, but can only enter the room once. How do you do it? a) Here’s the step-by-step solution: The farmer brings the goose across the river first (if he leaves the goose alone, it will either eat the beans or be eaten by the fox). The farmer brings either the fox or the beans across and leaves the other one alone. Now the farmer has two items on the other side of the river, including the goose. If he leaves the goose again, the same problem will occur. So, the farmer must bring the goose back to the other side. The farmer brings the other item back (either the fox or the beans) and leaves the goose alone again. The fox and the beans are now on the other side of the river. The farmer returns and brings the goose across the river again. b) Turn on the first switch and leave it on. Turn on the second switch for a few minutes, and then turn it off again. When you enter the room, one light bulb will be on. You’ll know it goes with switch one because you turned it on. Another bulb will be hot. You’ll know that goes with switch two because it was on for a little while. The bulb that’s off and cold goes with switch three because you didn’t touch it. Like math puzzles , these brain teasers for kids can increase engagement with math content and inspire your students to work on math concepts and problems outside of regular lessons. 1. Math riddles These riddles are just as amusing as the ones above, but they’re math-focused . Use them to give students some extra math practice and encourage resourceful thinking. Math riddles a) Divide 30 by ½ and add 10. What’s the answer? b) A clerk at the butcher shop is six feet tall and wears size 10 shoes. What does he weigh? c) A farmer has 19 sheep on his land. One day, a big storm hits and all but seven run away. How many sheep does the farmer have left? d) Your sock drawer only contains 18 white socks and 18 blue socks. How many times do you need to reach inside the drawer and take out a sock to guarantee a matching pair? e) You planted sunflower seeds in your back garden. Every day, the number of flowers doubles. If it takes 52 days for the flowers to fill the garden, how many days would it take for them to fill half the garden? f) Using only addition, how can you use eight eights to get the number 1,000? g) When Ashley was 15, her mother was 37. Now, her mother is twice her age. How old is Ashley? a) It's 70. You’re dividing 30 by ½, not by two. Thirty divided by ½ is the same thing as multiplying it by two, which is 60. Plus 10 makes 70! b) Meat. He works at the butcher shop, so he weighs meat for a living. c) Seven. The riddle says  all but seven  run away, meaning there are seven left who didn’t. d) Three times. On the third time, you’ll get either a white or a blue sock to match with one of the other two you’ve already grabbed. e) It would take 51 days. If the number of flowers doubles every day, half the garden would be full the day before, on the 51st day. f) 888 +88 +8 +8 +8 g) Ashley is 22. Her mother is 22 years older, so when Ashley is 22, she’s now half her mother’s age. 2. Pattern problems These questions require students to identify a pattern before they can answer a particular question. Kids must use creative and logical thinking to find the answers. 4 + 4 = 168 5 + 5 = 2510. b) What makes this number unique: 8,549,176,320? c) Solve the pattern puzzle below. Find the missing number to replace the question mark. Image source: Genius Puzzles d) Solve the following: Image source: AOL a) The missing number is 3612. The answer is the number multiplied by itself and then the number added to itself. Six multiplied by six is 36, and six plus six is 12. b) It contains each one-digit number, zero through nine, listed in alphabetical order. c) The missing number is 17. Each number in the circle is the sum of the numbers in the opposite quadrant. In this case, the numbers are eight and nine — added together makes 17. d) The answer is 14 (or 16), if you’re on the other side of the debate . 3. Prodigy Math Game This math activity is a bit different from others on the list. It’s not a traditional brain teaser, but it can also be used as a fun, skill-building alternative to traditional math class. Prodigy is a game-based learning platform that takes your students on an online fantasy adventure while they answer standards-aligned math questions. It’s engaging and effective at teaching necessary skills.  Prodigy's free teacher tools help you differentiate learning, send assessments in-game and even collect student insights! Visual brain teasers for kids 1. spot the difference. This ever-popular activity might remind you of your own childhood — and kids still love it! Spot the difference puzzles require lots of deduction and attention to detail. Here’s an example of a printable spot the difference activity. Image source: Tim’s Printables 2. Rebus puzzles A rebus is a visual word puzzle that uses lateral thinking to find its intended meaning. The word or phrase is depicted with a visual illustration, including letters and words. Students must think creatively to figure out the meaning from the clues they’re given.  Image source: Wikipedia Image source: Stack Exchange a) Top secret b) Think outside the box Visit the link below if you want more fun rebus puzzles for your students: 3. Optical illusions Get tricky with your students! Optical illusions use visual tricks that alter the perception of what you’re really seeing. Students will love trying to figure out what’s really going on in these examples. a) How many legs does the elephant have? Image source: Optics For Kids b) Are the two squares different colours? Image source: Brain Den b) They’re exactly the same colour. If you place your finger over the spot where the squares meet, you can see they’re the same. Try this impossible paper puzzle if you want a more hands-on optical illusion. You can make one to show your class, then have students make their own as a fun brain teaser to show friends and family. 4. Stroop effect test The Stroop effect was discovered in the 1930s by John Ridley Stroop. During the test, you’re given a list of colour names, with each word being a different colour than what they describe. The test involves saying the colour of a word, rather than reading the word itself. Your mind must process the two conflicting pieces of information, which slows down reaction speed and requires careful thought to get through. Image source: The Crafty Classroom Benefits of brain teasers for kids You know your students enjoy them, but did you know there are plenty of additional reasons to make brain teasers a regular activity in the classroom? A study on the attention spans of six-year-olds found children who were given brain teasers were more attentive than those who were not — showing brain teasers were effective at boosting children’s attention spans.    Brain teasers for kids can also: Strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills Encourage lateral thinking and build new perspectives Improve cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed Inspire teamwork and communication Engage students and motivate them to learn Provide necessary breaks from traditional class work How to use brain teasers in the classroom In addition to their many learning advantages, brain teasers are a great way to break up the day and engage your students. Here are just a few ways you can use brain teasers for kids as a teaching strategy and maximize the benefits in your classroom: Engagement-boosting activity before or after lessons Bonus questions in assignments and tests Optional “free time” activity Encourage team building — split students into groups to solve them together Supplement lessons — choose brain teasers about the subject you’re teaching Final thoughts on brain teasers for kids No matter what subject or skill you want to focus on, a brain teaser is a great addition to traditional teaching methods. Plus, it’s something students will actually be excited to do. Remember that brain teaser are designed to be fun for kids. it’s not about finding the right answer, but the mental exercise they get from trying to find the solution. Use any of the brain teasers in this list whenever you need a boost of energy in your classroom. Bonus points if you can stump any adults! Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy – a game-based learning platform for math that’s easy to use for educators and students alike. Aligned with standards across the English-speaking world, it’s used by more than a million teachers and 90 million students. Share this article Engage and motivate your students with our adaptive, game-based learning platform! JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Order Tracking Create an Account 200+ Award-Winning Educational Textbooks, Activity Books, & Printable eBooks! Compare Products Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies Search by Book Series Algebra I & II  Gr. 7-12+ Algebra Magic Tricks  Gr. 2-12+ Algebra Word Problems  Gr. 7-12+ Balance Benders  Gr. 2-12+ Balance Math & More!  Gr. 2-12+ Basics of Critical Thinking  Gr. 4-7 Brain Stretchers  Gr. 5-12+ Building Thinking Skills  Gr. 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The key is to make sure you get all the information out of each clue, by starting with the most obvious associations, then deducing the less obvious associations until everything finally fits together. Step-by-step instructions and detailed answers are included. Puzzles increase in difficulty. Product Details 01335BBP Anita Harnadek --> Critical Thinking Student Book with Answers Paperback Book Reproducible 1-60144-305-6 978-1-60144-305-2 48, perforated General License - Download SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY This is a legal agreement between you (a single entity, company, or educational institution) and The Critical Thinking Co.™ for the software accompanying this agreement, which includes computer Software and associated Documentation. By installing this Software on a computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. 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Sign Up for Free Puzzles Sign Up for Free Activities Toddler (Ages 0-3) PreK (Ages 3-5) Kindergarten (Ages 5-6) 1st Grade (Ages 6-7) 2nd Grade (Ages 7-8) 3rd Grade (Ages 8-9) 4th Grade (Ages 9-10) 5th Grade (Ages 10-11) 6th Grade (Ages 11-12) 7th Grade (Ages 12-13) 8th Grade (Ages 13-14) 9th Grade (Ages 14-15) 10th Grade (Ages 15-16) 11th Grade (Ages 16-17) 12th Grade (Ages 17-18) 12th+ Grade (Ages 18+) Test Prep Directory Test Prep Bundles Test Prep Guides Preschool Academics Store Locator Submit Feedback/Request Sales Alerts Sign-Up Technical Support Mission & History Articles & Advice Testimonials Our Guarantee New Products Free Activities Libros en Español Back to School Math Logic Puzzles Brain Teasers for Critical Thinking Enrichment Google Apps™ What educators are saying Also included in. Description In the hustle and bustle of a new school year, enrichment activities are just one more thing on your plate. These Back to School Math Logic Puzzles are ready-to-go brain teasers just perfect for use as early finisher activities, enrichment activities, or morning work. Designed to give students the opportunity to solve real-world, first-week teacher problems, these logic games push students to practice both their reasoning and key math skills. Students will be so engaged as they solve missing bus assignments, mixed-up seating charts, and spilled bag lunches, that they won’t even realize how hard they’re stretching their critical-thinking skills! You’ll Love: ● Ready-to-go puzzles for students to practice math and critical thinking skills ● A range of complexity so that students with varying abilities can access the challenges ● Simple early finisher activities so that all of your students stay engaged ● A FUN way to review key math skills whenever students have an extra minute What You Get: Ten Math Logic Games ● Ten Back-to-School-themed logic puzzles ● Each puzzle is a real-life teacher problem ● Students combine their reasoning skills with key math practice to solve Math Skills Covered: ● Subtraction ● Multiplication ● Digital time ● Logic & reasoning Activities Include: ● The Seating Chart ● Bagged Lunch Blunder ● School Bus Scramble ● Line Leaders ● Secret Number ● Sum Triangles ● The Triangle Challenge ● Shape Shifter ● What Do You Call Those Things? ● Lost Signs Answer Keys ● Key to each puzzle included Digital Option for Use With Google ● Option to go 100% paperless with this resource Ideas for Use: ● Early finisher activities ● Enrichment activities during free time, stations, or even those pesky indoor recesses! ● Morning work Why Teachers Like You LOVE This Resource: “I purchased this for some of my early finishers (3rd grade) that needed a bit of a challenge. It has worked wonderfully and they're having fun with it!”, - Sarah B. “My students love to do these before we head to Related Arts in the mornings. Thank you for such a fun, engaging resource! Are there more available? LOL” -Michelle C. ⭐️ Download the preview to see more! ⭐️ ........................................................................................... Give Students More Practice With Logic and Math Skills ➜ Check Out My Other Math Logic Puzzles ● Back to School ● Halloween ● Thanksgiving ● Christmas ● Valentine’s Day ● St. Patrick's Day ● End of the Year The Complete Bundle ➜ Math Logic Puzzles Bundle If you would like to get updates from me on NEW and CURRENT resources... ● SIGN UP to receive my newsletters + freebies! ● FOLLOW me on Teachers Pay Teachers! ● FOLLOW the In the Classroom with Kristine Nannini website! ● JOIN our Facebook Group! ● FOLLOW me on Facebook! ● FOLLOW me on Instagram! ● FOLLOW me on Pinterest! 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We're hiring Help & FAQ Privacy policy Student privacy Terms of service Tell us what you think 105 IMAGES 5th Grade Critical Thinking Worksheets Pdf Critical Thinking Puzzles Logic Puzzles for Kids Critical Thinking FREE Printable Puzzles from the Critical Thinking Co Critical thinking puzzles 5th grade 5th Grade Math Enrichment VIDEO Harvard's Insane IQ Test Maths Puzzle with answers|Interesting 5 maths puzzles for genius|കുട്ടികൾക്കും മുതിർന്നവർക്കും 💪 puzzles 5th video//#chess #chessking #chesspuzzle #chessopeningtrap LET'S HAVE FUN and PLAY PICTOMATH! Brain Out Level 35 🔥 #shorts #short Thinking Puzzles🤔 COMMENTS puzzles-and-brain-teasers5th Grade Logic Puzzles & Riddles Worksheets Logic puzzles and riddles help to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as vocabulary. The benefits of these game-based learning worksheets will last well beyond fifth grade. As kids take standardized tests and grow to enter the workforce as adults, these skills are critical for a lifetime of success. Hundreds of FREE Printable Logic and Critical Thinking Printable Logic Puzzle s-This website has hundreds of, you guessed it, printable logic puzzles. From easy to extremely hard. Tests, Tests, Tests -My kids fell in love with the game "Are You As Smart As a 5th Grader," and they were thrilled when I printed out the test. It has everything from cats to What Halloween Candy fits your personality. PDF 81 Fresh & Fun Critical-Thinking Activities This arrangement will help you and your students more clearly understand and identify the specific critical-thinking skills they are using. For each thinking skill in this book, there are two kinds of activities: (1) those that you, as the teacher, will lead, and (2) student reproducibles for indepen-dent work. Puzzles and Brain Teaser Worksheets Puzzles and Brain Teasers - Full List. Addition Squares. Build logical thinking skills with these addition square puzzles. Brain Teasers. Challenge students with these mind-bending, critical thinking puzzles. Cipher Wheels: Secret Code Facts. Assemble a cipher disk and use it to decode facts about animals, explorers, plants, and other science ... Mind Benders® Series 3-6. eBook. $10.99. Add to Cart. deductive thinking puzzles, develop the logic, reading comprehension, and mental organization skills vital to achieving higher grades and top test scores in all subjects. They're also great for developing real-life, problem solving skills and are fun! 85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged. With that said, here are some great questions to get you started: 1. Someone gives you a penguin. 5th Grade Logic Puzzles & Riddles Worksheets & Free Printables Logic puzzles and riddles help to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as vocabulary. The benefits of these game-based learning worksheets will last well beyond fifth grade. As kids take standardized tests and grow to enter the workforce as adults, these skills are critical for a lifetime of success. Challenge your mind with critical thinking puzzles online Our logic puzzle games are designed to challenge your ability to analyze situations, make decisions, and solve problems effectively. By regularly playing our deductive reasoning games, you'll enhance your capacity for critical thinking, which is invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. Our KenKen puzzles cater to a diverse range ... 5th Grade Critical Thinking Worksheets Free This resource includes three free Halloween themed logic grid puzzles of three different levels. A printable format and digital format for Google Classroom also included. Logic grid puzzles encourage critical thinking, the use of deductive reasoning, and require students to determine the relationship between two things based on clues. Free Critical Thinking Worksheets Brain Teasers - A great way to stimulate thinking. Don't worry, they come complete with answer keys. Compare and Contrast - Students examine differences and similarities in a variety situations. Dictionary Practice Worksheets - Practice your dictionary skills. Fact And Opinion - Students determine the validity of a body of work. 10 Teacher-Tested Visual Brain Teasers to Try in Your Classroom 5. How Many Squares? This one is similar to the brain game above; however this time, students need to figure out how many squares they can see. 6. Move one glass only…. In this visual brainteaser, students can see three glasses on the left that are full and three on the right that are empty. Math Logic Puzzles: 5th grade Enrichment Math Logic Puzzles for 5th grade includes 15 higher-order thinking puzzles designed to challenge and engage your high flyers and fast finishers. Your students will utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to build a solid understanding of essential 5th-grade math concepts. These puzzles are available as a printable PDF and a ... puzzles-riddles5th Grade Logic Puzzles & Riddles Worksheets & Free Stay sharp with a challenging Sudoku puzzle. When your students complete this crossword puzzle they will be introduced to a variety of words that are commonly seen in 5th grade texts and basal readers. Fifth grade logic puzzles and riddles worksheets help your kid build critical thinking and logic skills the fun way. Brain Teasers and Puzzles All brain teaser worksheets are free to print (PDF files). They include riddles, puzzles, anagrams, chronograms, connected squares, mazes, rebuses, and more. Print a brain teaser worksheet for classroom fun, parties, or family game night. New items added regularly. Check out our anagrams here. Brain teasers, or head scratchers, are a fun and ... Printable Logic Puzzles for Kids Here's a brand new set of worksheets to teach critical math skills: printable logic puzzles for kids! There are 9 puzzles varying from easy to intermediate to difficult. Each worksheet already has a data grid drawn out for kids to practice their deductive reasoning skills. They all also have an answer key - I was never very good at logic ... 20 Critical Thinking Activities For Elementary Classrooms: Navigating With the barrage of mainstream news, advertising, and social media content out there, it's vital for students to think independently and learn to differentiate between fact and fiction. This series of critical thinking activities, STEM-based design challenges, engaging Math puzzles, and problem-solving tasks will support students in thinking rationally and understanding the logical ... Worksheet Library: Critical Thinking: Grades 3-5 Scratch Your Brain. Use addition and subtraction to figure out solutions to these brain benders. (Grades 3-5) From One Word to the Next. Change a letter in the previous word to make the word that completes each phrase. (Grades 3-5) Root Words. Complete this activity about words that have /capt/ or /tact/ as a root. Results for 5th grade critical thinking puzzles Enrich and extend your math lessons with these 'Math Mystery' logic puzzles that are the perfect challenge for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. The puzzles are skills-based, so they PDF Central Bucks School District / Homepage Created Date: 12/1/2015 12:36:07 PM Fifth Grade Puzzles & Sudoku Worksheets and Printables Addition Math Puzzles #2. Interactive Worksheet. Students will practice adding up to 50 while building their logic and problem solving skills with these math puzzle boxes. Out of This World Sudoku Puzzle. Worksheet. Use this space-themed Sudoku puzzle to help your 5th grader develop thinking skills. 30 Thought-Provoking Math Puzzles for Middle Schoolers 23. Two Truths and One Lie. The tried-and-true icebreaker used at many a staff meeting and the first week of school, Two Truths and One Lie can also be used to review and practice tons of mathematical concepts. These middle school math puzzles cover concepts such as negative numbers, fractions, and a ton more. 45 Fun and Clever Brain Teasers for Kids with Answers! 3. Lateral thinking problems. Lateral thinking problems require creative thinking with an indirect approach. These questions require logic and careful thought to solve. The most notable example of a lateral thinking problem is the classic Monty Hall problem. Here are two examples of lateral thinking problems kids can try to solve. Mind Benders® Level 5 Description and Features. This 48-page book contains several of our best-selling deductive thinking puzzles. It develops the logic, reading comprehension, and mental organization skills vital to achieving higher grades and top test scores in all subjects. These award-winning, fun puzzles are also great for developing real-life, problem-solving ... Back to School Math Logic Puzzles Brain Teasers for Critical Thinking In the hustle and bustle of a new school year, enrichment activities are just one more thing on your plate. These Back to School Math Logic Puzzles are ready-to-go brain teasers just perfect for use as early finisher activities, enrichment activities, or morning work. Designed to give students the opportunity to solve real-world, first-week teacher problems, these logic games push students to ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis