Free Printable Math Puzzles for Middle School Students

Are you looking for some fun, printable math puzzles for middle school students?

These 5 math puzzles will engage your students and get them thinking creatively and visually about math topics including fractions, areas models, the order of operations, and even algebra!

So, can your middle schoolers solve these fun middle school math puzzles? Let’s get started and find out!

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Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #1

This first math puzzle for middle school challenges students to use their knowledge of the order of operations to find the value of each symbol (the hamburger, the taco, and the pizza) and the ‘?’ in the puzzle below.

Solution: Pizza = 3, Hamburger = 2, Taco = 8

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Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #2

The second math puzzle is a Multiplication Table activity where students have to use their knowledge of multiplication and multiplication facts to find the value of each symbol in the grid below.

Solution: Volcano = 1, Statue of Liberty = 3, Rocket = 6, Race Car = 2, Ferris Wheel = 18

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Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #3

Our third math puzzle for middle school students is a math logic puzzle that challenges students to use their number sense to recognize numerical patterns to solve the puzzle.

Solution: Multiple solutions exist using each value only once.

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Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #4

The next middle school math puzzle is an area model problem where students have to find the value of each symbol to complete the area model and determine which two numbers are being multiplied together.

Solution: Pretzel = 8, Mustard = 3, Chocolate-Covered = 50, Salt = 40, Sticks = 24

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Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #5

The final math puzzle for middle school students is a fraction model puzzle where students are tasked with using their knowledge of fractions to find the value of each symbol.

Solution: Pink = 16, Chocolate = 8, Purple = 2, Ice Cream Cup = 24, Ice Cream Cone = 3

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Are you looking for more daily math challenges and puzzles to share with your kids?

My best-selling workbook 101 Math Challenges for Engaging Your Students in Grades 3-8 is now available as a PDF download. You can get yours today by clicking here.

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Read More Posts About What’s Trending in Math Education:

7 Math Movies to Show Before Winter Vacation

Are you looking for school appropriate movies to show your math students before winter break?

Whether you want to give your kids a break from testing, supplement your instruction, or share some well-earned holiday fun time, showing a math-themed movie in class can be an educational and enjoyable experience.

While it can be challenging to find movies that are directly related to mathematics, there are plenty of creative ways to appropriately show full movies and movie clips in your classroom.

Many movies have strong mathematical elements that can be used to spark discussions and help your kids make connections with what they are learning in class.

So, if you are struggling to find a math movie that is right for your kids, check out the following list, get the popcorn ready, and enjoy!

*Disclaimer: You should always get permission from your administration and use discretion before showing any movie or movie scene to your kids.

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1.) Donald in Mathmagic Land (G)

IMDb Synopsis: Donald Duck goes on an adventure where he discovers how mathematics can be useful in real life. Through this journey it is shown how numbers are more than graphs and charts, they are geometry, music, and magical living things.

Why? Did you really think that this 1959 classic would not be on this list? This timeless gem shows kids that mathematics is more than just a set of procedures and rules. Despite its age and short duration (it's only 27 minutes long), it still stands up and is beloved by students and teachers alike.

Additionally, the full movie is available for free on YouTube!

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2.) Hidden Figures (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Why? Hidden Figures is an incredible and inspiring movie that demonstrates the power of mathematics and the fact that the subject is open to individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

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3.) Queen of Katwe (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.

Why? This relatively unknown Disney movie about 10-year-old Phiona and her incredible rise to become a chess master might be my favorite of any of the movies on this list. If you are looking to open up the possibilities of mathematics to a diverse group of students, Queen of Katwe is an excellent option.

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4.) October Sky (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: It tells the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.

Why? October Sky is another awesome STEM-themed movie with plenty of examples of how mathematics can be applied to the real-world. This teacher-favorite is popular with students because the main characters are rebellious (in a good way) grade-school students. 

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5.) Moneyball (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.

Why? You won't find a movie that demonstrates the tremendous role that mathematics plays in professional sports better than Moneyball. Showing the full movie will give your kids a better idea of how mathematics applies to the real world as well as possible career paths, such as becoming a Major League Baseball scout, that require a deep understanding of applied mathematics.

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6.) A Beautiful Mind (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.

Why? A Beautiful Mind is more than just an interesting tale about a paranoid mathematician, it shares several examples of how beautiful mathematics truly is and how it applies to our everyday world.

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7.) The Martian (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Why? The Martian is probably the best STEM movie ever. There are countless scenes where Matt Damon has to use mathematics and mathematical reasoning to overcome challenges and advance his quest for survival. If you are looking to show your kids that math can take you places, then The Martian is your best choice!

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Did I miss your favorite math movie or tv show? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Looking for More Holiday-Themed Math Resources?

10 Awesome Math Project Ideas for Grades 1-8

Fun Math Projects for All Grade Levels

Are you looking for fun math project ideas for your students?

Math Projects for Middle School, Elementary School, and High School Students.

The following list of math project ideas are perfect for keeping your students engaged during the final weeks of the school year (or at any other time as well). These activities can be adapted to all grade and ability levels and are included in our 21 Time-Saving Strategies, Activities, and Ideas All Math Teachers Should Know.

Having students work on fun math projects (and math art projects) is a great way to keep their attention and break up the monotony of the normal classroom routine.

The following math project ideas for elementary school, middle school, and high school students can all be modified to appropriately challenge and engage your math students based on their interests and skill/ability levels. We highly recommend that you differentiate whatever math project you choose to best meet the needs of your students.

Now, are you ready to learn about some fun math projects that you can use to engage your students this school year?

(Do you want free K-8 math resources and activities in your inbox every week? Click here to sign up for our free math education email newsletter)

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1.) The Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition

Grade Levels: Grades 1-8+

Description: Working individually or collaboratively, students must construct a paper airplane that is best suited for distance, accuracy, and hang time. This project involves a research phase, experimentation, data collection, analysis, and a presentation. This project is great for the end of the school year when the weather is nice and students can test their paper airplane performance outdoors.

Click here to learn more about the Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition Project

Math Project Ideas: The Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition

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2.) Dream Home Design Project

Grade Levels: Grades 1-8+

Description: For this fun math art project, students are tasked with designing the floor plans for their dream homes and backyards by applying math skills including measurement, scale, area, and perimeter. Students can use graph paper and markers or digital tools like Google Sketchup to create their home’s blueprints, calculate the cost of building materials and furniture, and design the layout of their houses interior and exterior.

You can modify the project based on your students’ grade, skill, or ability level as well as your access to resources. You can also have students design a city, amusement park, dining hall, etc.

Math Project Ideas: Dream Home Design

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3.) Math Riddles, Puzzles, and Brain Teasers!

Grade Levels: Grades K-8

Description: Spend a day having your students work on super fun and challenging math riddles and brain teasers. I like to print out the activities and post them around my classroom and/or in the hallways and have my students travel from station to station attempting to solve each brain bender!

Here are a few links for access free grade and topic-specific math riddle and brain teaser worksheets:

• 10 Free Math Brain Teaser Worksheets for Grades 4-8

• 17 Math Puzzles for Grades K-8

• Free Math Puzzle Worksheets for Grades K-8

Math Projects for Middle School Students: Puzzles, Riddles, and Brain Teasers

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4.) Play Math Jeopardy!

Grade Levels: Grades 3-6

Description: Are your students ready to play Math Jeopardy? These fun interactive Jeopardy games include a hidden Daily Double question as well as a Final Jeopardy video question.

Click the links below to play Math Jeopardy for the following grade levels:

• 3rd Grade Math Jeopardy

• 4th Grade Math Jeopardy

• 5th Grade Math Jeopardy

• 6th Grade Math Jeopardy

Math Project Ideas: Math Jeopardy!

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Do you more FREE K-8 math resources and activity ideas in your inbox every week?

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5.) Budgeting Your Dream Vacation

Grade Levels: 4-8+

Description: For this project, give your students a budget that they have to spend on their dream vacation for just themself and a friend. Students will have to research the cost of travel, lodging, meals, and leisure activities to cover a 7-10 day vacation to a location of their choosing.

Math Project Ideas: Budget and Plan Your Dream Vacation

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6.) Build a Fraction Kit

Grade Levels: 3-8+

Description: Building a fraction kit using colored construction paper is one of the best ways to help your students to understand math concepts related to fractions, including simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions.

Click here to for step-by-step instructions on building a fraction kit

Image via www.mashupmath.com

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7.) Math Card Games!

Grade Levels: 3-8+

Description: Spend a day having your students engage in fun math games that require only a standard deck of playing cards to play. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Mean, Median, and Mode Card Game

• Go Fish: Math Edition

• 28 Math Playing Card Game Ideas

Math Project Ideas: Play Math Card Games

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8.) Create Your Own Math Board Game

Grade Levels: 2-8+

Description: For this math project, students are tasked with creating their own math-related board games based on an assigned topic/skill or one of their choosing. To complete this project, students must choose a concept, plan their game, create a game board, design the game pieces, uses spinners or dice to determine how players will navigate the board, test and revise the game, and present their final product to the class.

Math Project Ideas: Create Your Own Math Board Game!

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9.) History of Math Research Project

Grade Levels: 1-8+

Description: For this project, students will research and present on a famous individual or civilization and their contributions to the field of mathematics. Here are a few great resources for inspiring students to learn about some lesser know mathematicians and their amazing contributions to mathematics:

• Who Invented Math? A Short Math History Lesson for Students

• 11 Famous African American Mathematicians

• 11 Famous Women Mathematicians

Math Project Ideas: Make a presentation about a famous mathematician or civilization.

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10.) Stock Market Project

Grade Levels: 4-8+

Description: For this financial math project, students must build their own 10-stock portfolio using a $10,000 budget. Students must research and analyze publicly traded companies and their stock performances to make their picks. They can invest in companies that they are familiar with such as Netflix, Facebook, McDonalds, and more!

We recommend showing this short TED-Ed Video How Does the Stock Market Work and using Google to research companies, find stock symbols, and see corresponding graphs and charts.

Math Project Ideas: Stock Market Project

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10 Best Math Movies for All Ages

The 10 Best Math Movies for All Ages

What are the absolute best movies with math as a major theme?

Are you looking for a list of the best math movies ever made? The following list celebrates math in the movies by highlighting a collection of the best math movies, all of which are appropriate for children and adults alike. In fact, all of the movies on the list are rated PG-13, PG, or G, making them all school appropriate.

(Jump right to the list of the 10 Best Movies About Math)

Seeing math in the movies is more than just entertainment. Mathematics and its applications shown on the big screen can inspire students to consider pursuing careers in STEM, appreciate mathematical concepts and how they apply to real life, and understand how mathematics can be used to solve problems in a variety of circumstances.

The following list of school-appropriate math movies can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. If you are a teacher looking for movies with math a main theme to show in your classroom, there are options on this list suitable for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school, as the parental guidance recommendations range from G to PG to PG-13.

So, whether you want to give your kids a break from testing, supplement your instruction, or share some well-earned Friday fun time, showing movies about math in class can be an educational and enjoyable experience. 

While it can be challenging to find movies that are directly related to mathematics, there are plenty of creative ways to appropriately show full movies and/or movie clips in your classroom. If you are struggling to find a math movie that is right for your kids, check out the following list, get the popcorn ready, and enjoy!

Wait! Do you want FREE math worksheets, activities, and puzzles in your inbox every week? 💁‍♀️ Click here to sign-up for our free email newsletter

Math Movies: Hidden Figures (Image Source: http://www.imdb.com)

Math Movies: The Imitation Game (Image Source: http://www.imdb.com)

*Disclaimer: You should always get permission from your administration and use discretion before showing any movie or movie scene to your students.

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1.) Queen of Katwe (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.

Why? This relatively unknown Disney movie about 10-year-old Phiona and her incredible rise to become a chess master might be my favorite of any of the math movies for kids on this list. If you are looking to open up the possibilities of mathematics to a diverse group of students, Queen of Katwe is an excellent option.

Math Movies for Kids: Queen of Katwe is one of the best PG-rated movies with math as a main theme.

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2.) Stand and Deliver (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a Hispanic neighborhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to help gang members and no-hopers pass the rigorous Advanced Placement exam in calculus.

Why? Stand and Deliver is an incredibly inspiring true story that is a must-see for teachers and students alike. If you are looking to motivate students of any background and inspire them to reconsider their personal limits and potential for growth and achievement, then showing Stand and Deliver is a no brainer.

Stand and Deliver may be the greatest movie about a math teacher ever made!

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 3.) A Beautiful Mind (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.

Why? A Beautiful Mind is more than just an interesting tale about a paranoid mathematician, it shares several examples of how beautiful mathematics truly is and how it applies to our everyday world.

Famous Math Movies: A Beautiful Mind

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4.) Flatland (G)

IMDb Synopsis: Based on Edwin Abott's classic novella "Flatland", this is an animated film about geometric characters living in a two-dimensional world. When a young girl named "Hex" decides to "think outside the box" (in a world where such thought is forbidden), her life becomes in danger and it is up to her grandfather to save her life.

Why? This short animated film released in 2007 teaches math concepts through an interesting story driven by fun characters (one of which is voiced by Martin Sheen) living in a two-dimensional world and mathematically inspired world. You can access the movie at flatlandthemovie.com.

Math Movies for Kids: Flatland

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Released in 2015, The Man Who Knew Infinity is one of the best math movies for middle school students and older.

5.) The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: The story of the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and his friendship with his mentor, Professor G.H. Hardy.

Why? The Man Who Knew Infinity is simply a fantastic story about the rise of a famous mathematician and a beautiful mentorship that allowed him to overcome great odds to change the field of mathematics forever. While the movie is not very well known, it is a must-see for any math enthusiast.

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Moneyball is another excellent addition to our collection of movies with math a central theme.

6.) Moneyball (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.

Why? You won't find a movie that demonstrates the tremendous role that mathematics plays in professional sports better than Moneyball. Showing the full movie will give your kids a better idea of how mathematics applies to the real world as well as possible career paths, such as becoming a Major League Baseball scout, that require a deep understanding of applied mathematics.

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Math in the Movies: Is The Martian the best STEM movie ever?

7.) The Martian (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Why? The Martian is probably the best STEM movie ever. There are countless scenes where Matt Damon has to use mathematics and mathematical reasoning to overcome challenges and advance his quest for survival. If you are looking to show your kids that math can take you places, then The Martian is your best choice!

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Do you want more fun and engaging math resources in your inbox every week?

Join our mailing list to get free K-8 math activities, puzzles, and worksheets in your inbox every week (plus two free pdf math workbooks!) Click here to sign up right now!

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When in doubt, one of the best math movies to show is Hidden Figures.

8.) Hidden Figures (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: The story of a team of female African American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Why? Hidden Figures is an incredible and inspiring movie that demonstrates the power of mathematics and the fact that the subject is open to individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

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9.) The Imitation Game (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians while attempting to come to terms with his troubled private life.

Why? The Imitation Game is a compelling movie because it tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who, during World War II, made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and cryptography. The film highlights Turing's ability to use mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills to crack the German “Enigma” code and help the allied powers win WW2. The movie also presents complex mathematical concepts in an accessible way, making it an effective teaching tool for students of all levels.

Math in the Movies: The Imitation Game highlights how mathematics influenced the outcome of WW2.

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Math Movies for Middle School Students: Donald in Mathmagic Land

10.) Donald in Mathmagic Land 

IMDb Synopsis: Donald Duck goes on an adventure in which it is explained how mathematics can be useful in real life. Through this journey it is shown how numbers are more than graphs and charts, they are geometry, music, and magical living things.

Why? Did you really think that this 1959 classic would not be on this list? This timeless gem was made to show kids that mathematics is more than just a set of procedures and rules. Despite its age and short duration (it's only 27 minutes long), it still stands up and is a beloved by students and teachers alike. And did I mention that you can watch the full movie for free on YouTube? 

Did I miss your favorite math movie or TV show? Share your suggestions in the comments section below. Subscribe to our mailing list here to get more free daily resources, lessons, and tips in your inbox every week.

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Search Tags: math movies, math in the movies, movies with math, movies about math, math movies 72, movie on maths, math in movies, math movie, math movies for middle school, math movies for kids , math teacher movie, movie about a math teacher

Are You Using This Genius Strategy for Math Writing?

Writing about math helps kids to organize their thinking, use key vocabulary, and communicate mathematically—which leads to deep and meaningful understanding.

Over the past few years, math teachers are incorporating more writing activities into their lesson plans—a trend that is being driven by the use of highly engaging think-notice-wonder writing prompts that spark deep mathematical discussion and are highly effective as warm-up or cool-down activities. 

This strategy has recently been endorsed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:

By asking What do you notice? What do you wonder? we give students opportunities to see problems in big-picture ways, and discover multiple strategies for tackling a problem. Self-confidence, reflective skills, and engagement soar, and students discover that the goal is not to be "over and done," but to realize the many different ways to approach problems.

How does it work?

Math teachers often struggle to find topics for their kids to write about. Sometimes the best way to encourage creativity and exploration is simply posting an image and asking students to describe what they think, notice, and wonder about what they are seeing.

The best way to use think-notice-wonder activities is to choose an image every day and project it as large as you can at the front of your classroom.

Then, have students write 3 sentences about the image starting with:

      •     I think…

      •     I notice…

      •     I wonder…

✔  You may want to have students share their entries in a daily math journal. This practice will get them used to writing about mathematics regularly.

✔  Try not to give too many prompts. You’ll be surprised by how creative and detailed student responses will become over time!

✔  Try to choose images that work with the day’s topic/theme

What would think-notice-wonder look like in YOUR classroom?

Imagine an unusual day where your kids enter class expecting a normal warm-up practice problem but are caught by surprise.

They see the above image of a drone delivering a pizza displayed on the board along with a writing prompt that calls for them to complete the statements I think..., I notice..., and I wonder...

What kind of creative thoughts and ideas would they have?

How much weight can the drone carry? How many pizzas can it hold at once?

How would thinking about this image activate their prior knowledge and spark their curiosity?

What are the dimensions of the largest and smallest pizza box it can hold? Does it have to be square?

What kind of anticipation would it build for an upcoming lesson or activity?

Does the drone use GPS coordinates to get from point to point?

Why Think-Notice-Wonder?

Engaging in think-notice-wonder writing activities at the start of a math class is a great way to ignite student thinking, spark creativity, and build anticipation.

Even if students are not directly engaged in mathematical problem-solving, their curiosity and interest will carry on throughout the day’s lesson.

Be mindful that your kids will need some time to get used to these kinds of activities, but after a week or so, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the spike in engagement, boost in student enthusiasm and high quality of responses!

Are you ready to try it with your kids?

Here are a few more sample graphics for you to try in your classroom:

Want more? Download 101 Daily Think-Notice-Wonder Writing Prompts for Engaging Your Kids

You can now share 101 Daily Think-Notice-Wonder Writing Prompts with your kids with our PDF workbook!

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Do you have experience using think-notice-wonder activities with your math students? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math and an advisor to Amazon Education's 'With Math I Can' Campaign. You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.