Can You Crack the Code?

Shareta Dixon

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Fact Finder Mission Briefing

Students will build multiplication fact fluency through an exciting code-breaking challenge, improving their ability to recall multiplication facts up to 12x12.

Mastering multiplication facts is crucial for all future math concepts. This engaging, game-based approach makes learning fun and boosts confidence in a supportive small-group setting.

Audience

4th Grade Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Game-based learning and problem-solving.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Secret Code Challenge Slide Deck, Daily Code Scramble Warm-up, Multiplication Cipher Game, Codebreaker's Fact Check Quiz, Pencils, and Scratch paper

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review all generated materials: Fact Finder Mission Briefing Lesson Plan, Secret Code Challenge Slide Deck, Daily Code Scramble Warm-up, Multiplication Cipher Game, and Codebreaker's Fact Check Quiz.
Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
Print or prepare digital copies of the Daily Code Scramble Warm-up and Multiplication Cipher Game materials for each student or group.
Have pencils and scratch paper available.
Familiarize yourself with the rules of the Multiplication Cipher Game.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-up: Daily Code Scramble

5 minutes

Greet students and introduce the lesson using the first slide of the Secret Code Challenge Slide Deck.
Distribute the Daily Code Scramble Warm-up.
Explain the activity: solve the multiplication problems, then use the provided key to convert the numbers into letters to reveal a secret word.
Allow students to work individually or collaboratively for 3-4 minutes.

Step 2

Warm-up Debrief

5 minutes

Display the answer key for the Daily Code Scramble Warm-up using the slide deck.
Review the answers as a group, clarifying any misconceptions.
Discuss the secret word they uncovered.

Step 3

Main Activity: Multiplication Cipher Game

15 minutes

Introduce the Multiplication Cipher Game using the slide deck.
Explain the game rules: students will solve more complex multiplication problems to decode a longer secret message.
Distribute the game materials and the cipher key.
Facilitate the game, providing support and encouragement as needed. Circulate and check for understanding.

Step 4

Wrap-up & Assessment: Codebreaker's Fact Check

5 minutes

Bring the group back together to briefly share their decoded messages from the game.
Distribute the Codebreaker's Fact Check Quiz.
Explain that this is an individual assessment to see how well they've mastered their facts.
Collect quizzes for review.

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Slide Deck

Welcome, Fact Finders!

Are you ready to crack some codes and uncover multiplication secrets?

Welcome students and set an exciting tone for the code-breaking mission. Explain that today they will become 'Fact Finders' to unlock multiplication secrets.

Your First Mission: Daily Code Scramble

Each number hides a letter! Solve the multiplication to reveal the secret word. Let's warm up our brains with the Daily Code Scramble Warm-up!

Introduce the 'Daily Code Scramble' warm-up. Explain that each number represents a letter, and they need to solve the multiplication problem to reveal the letter. Distribute the warm-up worksheet.

Code Scramble Debrief

Let's check our answers and see what secret word we uncovered!

Review the answers to the warm-up together. Provide clear explanations for any challenging problems. Emphasize that it's okay to make mistakes; it's part of learning.

Mission Briefing: Multiplication Cipher Game

Get ready for the ultimate challenge! In this game, you'll solve multiplication problems to crack a hidden message using our special cipher key. Time to put your fact fluency to the test with the Multiplication Cipher Game!

Introduce the main activity, the 'Multiplication Cipher Game.' Explain the rules clearly: students will solve multiplication problems to get numbers, and then use the cipher key to convert those numbers into letters to reveal a hidden message.

Code Cracking in Action!

Work together, solve those facts, and decode the message!

Facilitate the game, moving between groups or students as needed. Offer hints or redirect students if they get stuck. Encourage teamwork if it's a group activity.

Mission Accomplished!

What secret messages did you uncover? Share your findings!

After the game, bring the group back together to share their decoded messages. Discuss any interesting discoveries or strategies they used.

Final Assessment: Codebreaker's Fact Check

Now, let's see how strong your multiplication facts are individually. Complete the Codebreaker's Fact Check Quiz!

Introduce the 'Codebreaker's Fact Check' quiz as a way to individually assess their understanding. Explain that this will show them how much they've grown as fact finders.

You're a Multiplication Master!

Great job today, Fact Finders! Keep practicing your multiplication facts, and you'll be code-cracking pros in no time!

Conclude the lesson by praising their efforts and growth. Reinforce the importance of practicing multiplication facts and encourage continued 'fact finding' at home.

Warm Up

Daily Code Scramble

Instructions: Solve each multiplication problem. Then, use the cipher key to find the letter that matches your answer. Write the letter in the blank to reveal the secret word!

Cipher Key

12 = A
18 = B
20 = C
24 = D
25 = E
28 = F
30 = G
32 = H
35 = I
36 = J
40 = K
42 = L
45 = M
48 = N
49 = O
50 = P
54 = Q
56 = R
60 = S
63 = T
64 = U
70 = V
72 = W
80 = X
81 = Y
88 = Z

Problems

4 x 5 = ____ (Letter: ____)
6 x 6 = ____ (Letter: ____)
5 x 7 = ____ (Letter: ____)
8 x 5 = ____ (Letter: ____)
7 x 7 = ____ (Letter: ____)

Secret Word:

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Game

Multiplication Cipher Game

Instructions: Solve each multiplication problem. Use the cipher key to find the letter that matches your answer. Write the letter in the blank to reveal the secret message!

Cipher Key

12 = A
18 = B
20 = C
24 = D
25 = E
28 = F
30 = G
32 = H
35 = I
36 = J
40 = K
42 = L
45 = M
48 = N
49 = O
50 = P
54 = Q
56 = R
60 = S
63 = T
64 = U
70 = V
72 = W
80 = X
81 = Y
88 = Z

Secret Message Problems

Word 1

6 x 5 = ____ (Letter: ____)
5 x 5 = ____ (Letter: ____)
8 x 9 = ____ (Letter: ____)
6 x 8 = ____ (Letter: ____)

Word 1 Secret: ____ ____ ____ ____

Word 2

7 x 9 = ____ (Letter: ____)
4 x 9 = ____ (Letter: ____)
6 x 7 = ____ (Letter: ____)
8 x 8 = ____ (Letter: ____)

Word 2 Secret: ____ ____ ____ ____

Word 3

9 x 9 = ____ (Letter: ____)
10 x 4 = ____ (Letter: ____)
11 x 4 = ____ (Letter: ____)

Word 3 Secret: ____ ____ ____

Quiz

Codebreaker's Fact Check Quiz