ORIGINAL EMAIL INVITE:
November 13th, 2012 – MAC^2 M^3 (Mega-Math-Mystery)
Come and join us at our next MAC2 get together to participate in and to create a MegaMath-Mystery!
Our November monthly meeting is open to all MAC2 members, and any friends they’d like
to bring along who are interested in learning and teaching mathematics, elementary or
secondary. The fun begins at 5pm at St. Joseph’s High School, 243 Cundles Road East,
BARRIE, ON – starting in the St. Joseph’s Cafeteria, and will go till about 7pm.
We will start with a quick introduction to the activity in the cafeteria, and by 5:15 we will
break into groups and solve a Mega-Math- Mystery that has been created specially for this
night’s meeting.
Somewhere between 5:45 pm and 6pm all participants will regroup in one of the St.
Joseph’s classrooms (to be determined) where we will debrief the activity, and then begin
to create a Mega-Math-Mystery that can be used in our own classrooms (working with
teachers from the same grades or divisions).
What is a Mega-Math-Mystery you ask? It is a problem-solving based activity that students
can do in groups (though could be adapted to be done solo) which involves travelling from
one location to another to find clues, solve math problems, and eventually find a solution to
“the mystery”. The Mega-Math-Mystery can be mediated using various forms of technology
– GPS, iPhone apps, QR codes, website URL links (all of which we will be using during our
starter activity), though a scavenger hunt, with clues printed out on paper will work just as
well in a low-tech classroom (and we will be discussing both types of approaches during the
debrief). A typical Mega-Math-Mystery involves searching for clues by travelling outside
the classroom, around the school building or grounds, which is great for kinesthetic
learners, and a change of pace, though this aspect of visiting different places for clues can
also be simulated inside a classroom or study area like the school library.
To help the MAC2 committee prepare for the event in two weeks, please visit the link below
and fill out the quick form
Mega Math Mystery
Trying out some QR Codes
Mega Math Mystery
NEWS BULLETIN
The Toronto Triangulists have
threatened to take over the
textbooks and terrorize all
theorems and truisms taught in
trigonometry and tabulating
classes … .and by extension …
anything under the topic of
Mathematics!
This radical group wields terrible Weapons of Math Destruction, and their
Mission Statement is this: “Triangles rule all !”
Their triabolical plan is to eradicate all mention of any shapes other than
triangles from the curriculum, from all textbooks, and from our lives. If they
succeed, mathematicians will no longer be able to enjoy the beauty of a circle,
the comfort of a perfectly formed square, or the playfulness of a perky
parallelogram.
The Triangulists have issued a challenge, and given us one last chance to prove
that indeed the current math standards demonstrate plenty of knowledge and
mastery of their beloved triangles. If we can solve the puzzles presented, they
will be satisfied, and will remove their threat to wipe out mathematical
education as we know it.
As members of MAC2, the Mathematics Association for Cottage Country, your
mission along with your team-mates is to follow the clues and solve the
problems posed by the Toronto Triangulists using all the geometric and
algebraic knowledge you have at your disposal. Work as a team, and make us
proud!
The first challenge begins outside the doors to the parking lot closest to the
cafeteria.
Good luck!
Mega Math Mystery - NOTES about Challenges / Answers / Setup
CHALLENGE # 1
You have three different diagrams from your team-mates. Solve this challenge, then meet
up with your team mates to compare your answers. The Computer Expert will have the
instructions needed for the team in order to proceed to the next challenge.
Solve for the missing angles in the following diagrams.
HOW TO FIND CHALLENGE # 2
Each team member should have found three missing angles. Have each team member
arrange their three answers in ascending order, and give you the middle number.
Find the sum of all three middle answers . (from the Computer Expert, Scientist and
Detective – do not include the Interpol agent, as that answer should be the same as
someone else on your team).
The next challenge will be near the outside doors closest to the classroom with the same
number as this sum.
ANSWER:
ROOM 110
30 + 35 + 45
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
You should work as a team to solve this challenge. The Detective will have the instructions
needed for the team in order to proceed to the next challenge.
Classify each of the triangles below as
i) acute, obtuse, right angled triangles
and
ii) equilateral, isosceles, scalene triangles
Create a Venn diagram that summarizes both classifications at once.
HOW TO FIND CHALLENGE # 3
Study the Venn diagram, and isolate the pieces indicating the acute angled triangles and the
scalene triangles. Those two sets of triangles will yield two words that should describe a
location specific to the school.
The next challenge will be near the outside doors closest to that location.
ANSWER:
FRON (T) / S (T) EPS
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
You have different diagrams from your team-mates. Solve this challenge, then meet up with
your team mates to compare your answers. The Scientist will have the instructions needed
for the team in order to proceed to the final challenge.
Find the perimeter of each of the following triangles.
You should work as a pair with the Scientist/Computer Expert to solve this challenge. The
Scientist will have have the instructions needed for the team in order to proceed to the final
challenge.
Find the area of each of the following triangles.
HOW TO FIND THE FINAL CHALLENGE
The Detective worked on a set of perimeter questions.
If the largest perimeter calculated was greater than 40 cm, then the Final Challenge will be
somewhere on the second floor. Otherwise, it will be somewhere on the first floor.
The Scientist and the Computer Expert both worked on area questions.
Divide each area answer by 12.
If the result is not a whole number, ignore it.
If the result IS a whole number, then that digit could be part of the room number
where the Final Challenge is located.
ANSWER:
1st floor / 5 / 2 (Room 152)
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL CHALLENGE
Each of you have been given a final set of clues to the final design challenge. Work together
as a team to create the design using all the clues from all your team members. There is a
final optional clue available for each team member from the activity leader, if you need it.
When you have completed your design, bring it to the activity leader to be checked.
If you are successful, then you will have proven to the Toronto Triangulists that your
knowledge of triangles is sufficient to pass onto further generations, and they do not need
to dastardly change the future of education.
Construct a design, using the GeoBoard provided, or a virtual geoboard on your
smartphone, that meets the following criteria:
-
it uses exactly 2 elastics (or virtual elastics) and will fit in a 5 x 5 geoboard
has two triangles that share a common side
AND it satisfies the criteria of your other team mates !
-
the design includes an acute angled triangle,
the design also includes a right angled triangle
at least one triangle in the design is isosceles
the total area of the design is 16 square units.
-
The right angle triangle is not an isosceles triangle
The isosceles triangle has area 10 square units
The side lengths of one of the triangles are consecutive whole numbers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Activity Design decisions:
Detective colour: 0x005500 (R0 G85 B0)
Computer Expert colour: 0x000055 (r0 g0 b85)
SCIENTIST: All clues on paper, in envelopes at “drop stations”
DETECTIVE / COMPUTER EXPERT: All clues obtained via QR codes
(but also duplicated on paper, in case of tech failure)
Handouts for all: Map of SJO / News Bulletin outlining challenge
Before activity : sample QR codes to try out, to ensure QR reader app works properly /
installed okay
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
SCIENTIST
You have three different diagrams from your team-mates. Solve this
challenge, then meet up with your team mates to compare your answers. The
Computer Expert will have the instructions needed for the team in order to
proceed to the next challenge.
Solve for the missing angles in the following diagrams.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
SCIENTIST
You should work as a team to solve this challenge. The Detective will have the
instructions needed for the team in order to proceed to the next challenge.
Classify each of the triangles on the next page as
i)
acute, obtuse, right angled triangles
and
ii)
equilateral, isosceles, scalene triangles
Create a Venn diagram that summarizes both classifications at once.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
SCIENTIST
You have different diagrams from your team-mates. Solve this challenge, then
meet up with your team mates to compare your answers.
Find the perimeter of each of the following triangles.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
SCIENTIST
Additional Info
HOW TO FIND THE FINAL CHALLENGE
The Detective worked on a set of perimeter questions.
If the largest perimeter calculated was greater than 40 cm, then the Final
Challenge will be somewhere on the second floor. Otherwise, it will be
somewhere on the first floor.
The Scientist and the Computer Expert both worked on area questions.
Divide each area answer by 12.
If the result is not a whole number, ignore it.
If the result IS a whole number, then that digit could be part of the room
number where the Final Challenge is located.
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
SCIENTIST
Each of you have been given a final set of clues to the final design challenge.
Work together as a team to create the design using all the clues from all your
team members. There is a final optional clue available for each team member
from the activity leader, if you need it.
If you are successful, then you will have proven to the Toronto Triangulists
that your knowledge of triangles is sufficient to pass onto further generations,
and they do not need to dastardly change the future of education.
Construct a design, using the GeoBoard provided, or a virtual geoboard on
your smartphone, that meets the following criteria:
- The design requires exactly 2 elastics (or virtual elastics) and will fit
in a 5 x 5 geoboard
- The design is made of two triangles that share a common side
… AND it satisfies the criteria of your other team mates !
Good luck!
When you have completed your design, bring it to the activity leader to be
checked.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
DETECTIVE
Introduction
to the challenge:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Introduction
to the challenge:
Additional Info:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
DETECTIVE
You have three different diagrams from your team-mates. Solve this
challenge, then meet up with your team mates to compare your answers. The
Computer Expert will have the instructions needed for the team in order to
proceed to the next challenge.
Solve for the missing angles in the following diagrams.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
COMPUTER
EXPERT
You have three different diagrams
from your team-mates. Solve this challenge, then meet up with your team
mates to compare your answers. You will have the instructions needed for the
team in order to proceed to the next challenge.
Solve for the missing angles in the following diagrams.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 1
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Additional Info
HOW TO FIND CHALLENGE # 2
Each team member should have found three missing angles. Have each team
member arrange their three answers in ascending order, and give you the
middle number.
Find the sum of all three middle answers . (from the Computer Expert,
Scientist and Detective – do not include the Interpol agent, as that answer
should be the same as someone else on your team).
The next challenge will be near the outside doors closest to the classroom with
the same number as this sum.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
DETECTIVE
Introduction
to the challenge:
Additional info:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
DETECTIVE
Introduction
to the challenge:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
DETECTIVE
Introduction
to the final challenge:
Clue 1:
Clue 2:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Introduction
to the challenge:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Introduction
to the challenge:
Challenge problems
to solve:
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Introduction
to the final challenge:
Clue 1:
Clue 2:
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
DETECTIVE
You should work as a team to solve this challenge. You will have the
instructions needed for the team in order to proceed to the next challenge.
Classify each of the triangles below as
i) acute, obtuse, right angled triangles
and
ii) equilateral, isosceles, scalene triangles
Create a Venn diagram that summarizes both classifications at once.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
DETECTIVE
Additional Info
HOW TO FIND CHALLENGE # 3
Study the Venn diagram, and isolate the pieces indicating the acute angled
triangles and the scalene triangles. Those two sets of triangles will yield two
words that should describe a location specific to the school.
The next challenge will be near the outside doors closest to that location.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 2
COMPUTER
EXPERT
You should work as a team to solve
this challenge. The Detective will have the instructions needed for the team in
order to proceed to the next challenge.
Classify each of the triangles below as
i) acute, obtuse, right angled triangles
and
ii) equilateral, isosceles, scalene triangles
Create a Venn diagram that summarizes both classifications at once.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
DETECTIVE
You should work as a pair with the Computer Expert to solve this challenge.
The Scientist will have have the instructions needed for the team in order to
proceed to the final challenge.
Find the area of each of the following triangles.
Mega Math Mystery
CHALLENGE # 3
COMPUTER
EXPERT
You should work as a pair with the Detective to solve this challenge. The
Scientist will have have the instructions needed for the team in order to
proceed to the final challenge.
Find the area of each of the following triangles.
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
DETECTIVE
Each of you have been given a final set of clues to the final design challenge.
Work together as a team to create the design using all the clues from all your
team members. There is a final optional clue available for each team member
from the activity leader, if you need it.
If you are successful, then you will have proven to the Toronto Triangulists
that your knowledge of triangles is sufficient to pass onto further generations,
and they do not need to dastardly change the future of education.
Construct a design, using the GeoBoard provided, or a virtual geoboard on
your smartphone, that meets the following criteria:
- The design includes an acute angled triangle.
- The design also includes a right angled triangle.
… AND it satisfies the criteria of your other team mates !
Good luck!
When you have completed your design, bring it to the activity leader to be
checked.
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
COMPUTER
EXPERT
Each of you have been given a final set of clues to the final design challenge.
Work together as a team to create the design using all the clues from all your
team members. There is a final optional clue available for each team member
from the activity leader, if you need it.
If you are successful, then you will have proven to the Toronto Triangulists
that your knowledge of triangles is sufficient to pass onto further generations,
and they do not need to dastardly change the future of education.
Construct a design, using the GeoBoard provided, or a virtual geoboard on
your smartphone, that meets the following criteria:
- At least one triangle in the design is isosceles.
- The total area of the design is 16 square units.
… AND it satisfies the criteria of your other team mates !
Good luck!
When you have completed your design, bring it to the activity leader to be
checked.
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
Additional
Clues
SCIENTIST
- The right angle triangle is not an isosceles triangle
DETECTIVE
- The isosceles triangle has area 10 square units
COMPUTER EXPERT
- The side lengths of one of the triangles are consecutive whole
numbers.
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
Additional
Clues
SCIENTIST
COMPUTER
EXPERT
DETECTIVE
Mega Math Mystery
FINAL
CHALLENGE
Solution
Ideas for a mega-math mystery.
Alien invasion. The aliens have landed and solving math problems will help you identify
where they are now and what they're doing.
Alien abduction. The aliens are searching for someone and it is your job to use math to
discover who is thereafter.
Alien identification. The aliens are wondering all around the school and if they are leaving
traces of themselves where ever they go. Solving the math problems and searching for clues
will help you identify what these aliens really look like. This is a great project that could
involve cross curricular activities including those links from sciences.
Math murder mystery. A good old whodunit mystery. Use math to whittle down the list of
suspects until you find the person who committed the crime.
Spies on the run. Your school has just been hit by a gang of international academic
espionage agents. By analyzing the clues left behind and solving the math puzzles you can
determine where they're going to hit next.
Eye spy. And international academic espionage agent has infiltrated the school and is
stealing math tests to sell on the black market overseas. Solve the math puzzles to find out
which spy from a list of well-known spies provided by interpool is the culprit so that you
can comprehend them.
Where am I? . Solve the math puzzles to determine a special location somewhere in the
school or in the world.
Who am I? . Solve the math puzzles to determine a special person somewhere in the school
or in the world.
What am I? . Solve the math puzzles to determine a special thing somewhere in the school
or in the world.