Year 9 Mathematics Treasure Hunt

 

Generally, Mathematics is considered to be boring. With my class we decided to change this and always design activities that encourage critical mathematical thinking as students find different ways of solving real life mathematical problems and deepen their understanding of mathematics.

Throughout the year, we did quite a number of project/fun activities with my students, which included “guess the concept “, tarsia puzzle, tag of war, Kahoot team race, pair/match card race, geometry ball coordination outdoor play, blind fold math master and so on. Of all these phenomenal fun activities, the treasure hunt stood out as one of the best loved by students because of the way we redesigned it this year.

Unique treasure hunt design

Students were divided into groups of 4 and given a set of questions to use. Their task was to then design the map the way they wanted and give reasonable clues along the way. A minimum of 5 stops are allowed before the final point where the treasure is hidden.  Think about it; Year 9 students were practicing key topic Mathematics questions, working in teams, solving all the problems I had prepared for them. All of that, without even knowing they are actually learning new things.

Teams design their own stations and always give two optional answers which are closely related. I guided them to see some common silly mathematical mistakes made by students and allow these as an alternative that will eventually lead to a different station, which we called the “battery changing station” or simply “corrective station”. At this station, they will ask a similar question and be given a second chance to take themselves back to the correct station.

All 4 teams did well, running around the school grounds and classes. Finally, the treasure was found. In reality, students love Mathematics.

See attached pictures of Year 9 teams in action.

Hebert Tapfuma

High School Mathematics