Zooquations: Algebra Simulation

Your students travel through the zoo solving problems and searching for clues to solve duck's quack ups. They work together as a cooperative team in their quest to persevere.
Zooquation student teams solve various mathematical puzzles earning keys. Your students learn algebraic skills and the value of addition, subtraction, and logic, while having the enjoyment of discovering the magic of mathematical puzzles. The purpose is to create a positive and exciting learning experience using cooperative team work while solving mathematical puzzle problems. The journey begins when the students are assigned to teams. Each team chooses a zoo name for their team. To create interest, fill a jar with banana runts and have the teams estimate how many bananas you have placed in a jar. The team closest to the actual number has the privilege of picking the first Key to the Zoo. This card will direct all teams to a beginning location on the Map of the Zoo. As the travelers enter various animal exhibits, they solve the corresponding problems. Successful solution of each problem earns keys which are graphed on a chart. Students experience the excitement of a race against their classmates as the teams compete to come up with the most keys and the duck’s secret. Clues enable teams to decipher the secret message which is necessary in order to win. Individual student journals give you an opportunity to assess student thinking.