Math Crosswords

SCORE Mathematics

Standards Connections

Math Crosswords

Introduction: Learn your math vocabulary the fun way! Everyone knows math is a foreign language. A lot of what makes math hard is the language your teacher uses when he/she talks math to you. Speaking the language can make math easier to understand.

Prior Knowledge: None! This is for beginners.

Grade Level: 5-7

Task: You and your classmates will create crossword puzzles that use the definitions of math terms you use as clues. The terms will be the answers which go into the puzzle. After making your puzzle, you will trade with another student and solve their puzzle. When you're done, you should be able to understand that strange "mathspeak" your teacher does daily in class.

Resources:
Mathematics Glossary - Middle Years <http://MathCentral.uregina.ca/RR/glossary/middle/>
Math Dictionary <http://users.adelphia.net/~mathhomeworkhelp/dictionary2.html>
Puzzlemaker <http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.html>

You can also use the glossary in the student text or a teacher provided vocabulary list instead of the online dictionary.

Process: First decide on what math terms you and your classmates need to learn. Then find their definitions in the online dictionary (or somewhere else). Next you will build a crossword puzzle using those terms and using their definitions as clues. Trade puzzles with someone else. You will build your vocabulary as you solve the puzzle.

Learning Advice: You may wish to exclude terms that have no relevance to the math you are learning. You may want to make a really tough puzzle to challenge your teacher.

Evaluation: Students could be evaluated either by giving a vocabulary quiz or by being given another puzzle to solve, but without access to reference material.

Extensions: Students could be asked to give an example of what the term means.

Ex. equation x + 2 = 6

expression x + 2

Conclusion: This activity should increase a student's familiarity with the language of math. This means they should have a better understanding of what you say in class.

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California's Mathematics Academic Standards:

Grade 5:
Number Sense
2.0 Students perform calculations and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, and simple multiplication and division of fractions and decimals.
2.4 understand the concept of multiplication and division of fractions

Algebra and Functions
1.0 Students use variables in simple expressions, compute the value of the expression for specific values of the variable, and plot and interpret the results.

1.1 use information taken from a graph or equation to answer questions about a problem situation

Mathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems.

1.1 analyze problems by identifying relationships, discriminating relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns
1.2 determine when and how to break a problem into simpler parts

2.0 Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions.

2.3 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

Grade 6:
Mathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems.

1.1 analyze problems by identifying relationships, discriminating relevant from irrelevant information, identifying missing information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns
1.2 formulate and justify mathematical conjectures based on a general description of the mathematical question or problem posed

2.0 Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions

2.3 estimate unknown quantities graphically and solve for them by using logical reasoning and arithmetic and algebraic techniques
2.4 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

3.0 Students move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to other situations.

3.1 evaluate the reasonableness of the solution in the context of the original situation

Grade 7:
Number Sense
1.0 Students know the properties of, and compute with, rational numbers expressed in a variety of forms.

1.1 read, write, and compare rational numbers in scientific notation (positive and negative powers of 10) with approximate numbers using scientific notation

Algebra and Functions
1.0 Students express quantitative relationships using algebraic terminology, expressions, equations, inequalities and their graphs.

1.4 use algebraic terminology (e.g., variable, equation, term, coefficient, inequality, expression, constant) correctly

Mathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems.

1.1 analyze problems by identifying relationships, discriminating relevant from irrelevant information, identifying missing information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns

2.0 Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions.

2.4 make and test conjectures by using both inductive and deductive reasoning
2.5 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

NCTM K-4 and 5-8: Mathematics as Communication; Mathematical Connections, Number and Number Relationships.