Mystery Number

A lot of you have already heard about Mystery Skype and all the benefits of this 21st century activity.  If you are not familiar with this term, the basic idea is that two classrooms chat via Skype and try to guess where the other class is from by answering questions with only yes or no answers. This lesson is lots of fun, but it can definitely be out of the reach of K-4 classes, many of whom are still struggling to realize that they live in both a city AND a state.  Answering questions about location would be out of the question. 

With that being said, I introduce; Mystery Number! This is an interactive and exciting way to liven up a math lesson. Students use number lines or charts or a technique you prefer and alternate asking yes or no questions to try to guess the other class' number first. Mystery Number is an interactive lesson that works on so many levels. Students are writing the numbers to get ready, everyone is learning at their own level, whether that student is still learning to write the numbers, is struggling to distinguish between 11 and 12 (why do those pesky numbers not follow the ‘teen’ rule?) or is formulating questions that eliminate lots of possible numbers. We can all participate in the same activity, but the learning is differentiated. Also, students are learning that other children far away are learning the same things as they are. This is a big step in global awareness. Lastly, students are learning one more way to use technology to help them to reach their learning goals. This kind of digital literacy is important for children growing up in an online age.

If you are interested in trying this out at any level, with a class down the hall or a class in another state, ask your technology support teacher or e-mail Brian to set one up.

Good Luck!