SIMCC Games · Teacher guide
Maths Mastermind
Combine at least two card numbers to make the target exactly.
- Trains
- Mental arithmetic with +, −, × and ÷ · Order of operations and brackets · Fractions (Middle and Upper Division)
- Ages
- Not set yet
- In class
- On your own. One device each. Choose Lower Division: whole-number cards and whole-number targets.
A ten-minute starter
- Show about 2 minWrite four numbers and a target: 2, 3, 5 and 7, target 17. Ask for a way to make 17 using at least two of the numbers, each at most once. Collect more than one answer.
- Play about 6 minStudents play Lower Division. N loads a new card. Fast finishers try Middle Division, which may include one fraction.
- Talk about 2 minAsk two students who solved the same card to compare. Every answer that makes the target exactly is right.
Questions to ask the class
- Is 2 + 3 × 4 equal to 20 or 14?Listen for: 14: × comes before +. (2 + 3) × 4 makes 20.
- Do you have to use all four numbers?Listen for: No. At least two, each at most once.
- Two slots both show 1/3. Can you use both?Listen for: Yes. Each slot is a separate number.
A common mistake
Working left to right, so that 2 + 3 × 4 comes out as 20.
How to help: Remind them that × and ÷ come before + and −, and brackets come first. H shows a first-step hint.
Assign it
On the coach dashboard, choose your class under Cohorts. In Assign practice, pick Maths Mastermind and the drill Solo puzzle, add a due date if you want one, then press Assign. Students find it on their Train page.
Students choose the division on the board.
Results show on the dashboard by student and by game once the server has checked them.