Brain Teaser Challenge
Collaborative Brain Teaser Activity
This lesson engages 8th-grade students in a quick, collaborative brain teaser activity designed to encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving. The activity is structured to be completed in a short time frame, making it an ideal warm-up or transition exercise. By working together, students will enhance their critical thinking and communication skills, preparing them for more complex tasks in 9th grade.
Game-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning
Printable Brain Teaser Cards, Timer, and Jenga Blocks
Step 1
Introduction
1 minute
- Briefly explain the purpose of the activity: to work together and solve a brain teaser.
- Emphasize the importance of teamwork and thinking outside the box.
Step 2
Activity Setup
1 minute
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
- Distribute a set of Jenga blocks to each group.
- Ensure each group has a timer or access to a clock.
Step 3
Hands-On Brain Teaser Challenge
7 minutes
- Instruct groups to use the Jenga blocks to build the tallest tower possible.
- Set a timer for each group to complete the challenge within 5 minutes.
- Encourage students to communicate openly and consider all ideas.
- Monitor the groups, providing hints if necessary to keep them on track.
- Announce when time is up and ask groups to share their creations.
- Award points to the group with the tallest tower.
- Ask each group to briefly explain their thought process and solution.
- Highlight creative solutions and teamwork.
- Conclude by reinforcing the skills practiced: collaboration and critical thinking.
