324 mind-stretchers results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Braingle: Brain Teasers, Puzzles, Riddles and More - Braingle
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Exercise your gray matter by solving one of the 12,000 'braingles' at this site. It purports to be the largest collection of puzzles, riddles, mind games, etc, on the ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Exercise your gray matter by solving one of the 12,000 'braingles' at this site. It purports to be the largest collection of puzzles, riddles, mind games, etc, on the Internet. Once you explore the site, you trust their word. The site is mobile phone and wii-friendly. Don't miss the section with SAT vocab (in Mentalrobics). There are articles on study skills and strategies such as clearing your mind before studying, "chunking" when reading, or various strategies to memorize material. Engage students into math and reading exercises through the endless riddles and puzzles at this site. They won't even be aware they are 'reading' or 'solving math.'
tag(s): brain (68), puzzles (204), riddles (16), vocabulary (321)
In the Classroom
Start class with a "warm-up" brain teaser. Or include this link on your teacher web page (with a caution about parental supervision for younger ones). Site creators claim the entire site is family-friendly, safe for classroom use. Portions of the site require membership, and the membership level that displays ads is free. You may want to set up a CLASS account and use it under controlled circumstances since there are forums and chat rooms, however. Or ask your tech folks to block the portion of the site that includes "community" in the URL (http://www.braingle.com/community/) to avoid having to deal with forums, chat rooms, etc.(If you are lucky enough to have such helpful tech support, make them cookies once in awhile!)
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Word Games - east of the web
Grades
2 to 12
9 Favorites
0 Comments
This interactive website provides hours of mind stretching fun. The mind challenges include cryptoquote, popword, eight letters, define time, storyman, wordsearch, and codeword. Some...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This interactive website provides hours of mind stretching fun. The mind challenges include cryptoquote, popword, eight letters, define time, storyman, wordsearch, and codeword. Some of these challenges are perfect for spelling practice, learning new vocabulary, problem solving and basic math practice. Each activity provides instructions for the user to explain the purpose of the activity. Many of the activities also have various difficulty levels to differentiate the activity for a variety of learning levels. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
tag(s): puzzles (204)
In the Classroom
This website is "interactive whiteboard ready." Students will love these mind stretching challenges and teachers will love the easy-to-use format of the activities. Put a game up on the whiteboard as students are taking their seats to focus attention and minds on WORDS before you start class. ESL teachers may find these games will help students practice language skills more readily. If you don't have time to utilize this challenge in class, provide the link in your class's newsletter or on your teacher web page.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Inventing Modern America: Invention Connection - The Lemelson - MIT Program
Grades
4 to 10
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This website helps to "connect" the dots of inventions. The "Invention Connection" challenges students to trace the paths and interconnections of many inventions. Students can complete...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This website helps to "connect" the dots of inventions. The "Invention Connection" challenges students to trace the paths and interconnections of many inventions. Students can complete this activity over and over again and learn about new inventions each time. The text portions may require some explanation to elementary students. This site requires Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
tag(s): evolution (102), industrial revolution (26), inventors and inventions (92)
In the Classroom
Use this wonderful resource during your inventions/inventors units. This activity helps students to understand the connections between numerous inventions and forces then to think about unusual commonalities between unlike objects. This invention activity is perfect for an interactive whiteboard. You may want to have a separate window open to "look up" some of the more esoteric inventions that show up, since they may not be familiar to you and your students.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Math Presentations - Jefferson County Schools
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
If you are teaching a new math concept or want to review an already-introduced math skill, you must visit this website. The site provides free PowerPoint presentations on numerous...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
If you are teaching a new math concept or want to review an already-introduced math skill, you must visit this website. The site provides free PowerPoint presentations on numerous math topics. There are presentations for grades K-5 and 6-12. There are over 100 math topics available. Use these free resources to help simplify the complexities of mathematics in your classroom. You may need PowerPoint software on your computer to view these files, depending upon how the site creators saved them. Roll your mouse over the words slowly to see which shows can be played directly from the site and which you must download to your computer to run from there. This site has heavy advertising at the top of the landing page. Scroll down to find the presentations.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): addition (228), air (148), division (162), logic (248), multiplication (212), subtraction (188), vision (79)
In the Classroom
Try these ready-to-go PowerPoint presentations on an interactive whiteboard or projector in your classroom. Some may also be well-suited for individual students to run on a single classroom computer for remediation or review. There are games, resources and a lot of information. The site includes a disclaimer asking to be notified if users find any unauthorized, copyrighted material. TeachersFirst recommends that you NOT download copies but instead use them online, just in case.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Substitute Survival: Tools You Can Use - Education World
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides substitutes with practical advice on surviving in a classroom. Most of the tips, websites and lesson ideas are more suitable for elementary or middle school,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This website provides substitutes with practical advice on surviving in a classroom. Most of the tips, websites and lesson ideas are more suitable for elementary or middle school, but many of the tips are practical in any classroom, any grade and any subject matter. New teachers and those headed into student teaching would be wise to read it, as well.
tag(s): substitutes (18)
In the Classroom
Substitutes - don't go into the trenches empty handed, print out this useful survival guide (or make it a TeachersFirst Favorite so you can find it anytime) and be prepared for the unexpected!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Welcome - A Packet for Substitute Teachers - Robert Jackson
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Every substitute must check out this interactive, all-inclusive, helpful, and creative website. This website includes numerous resources for substitute teachers including "Whiteboard...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Every substitute must check out this interactive, all-inclusive, helpful, and creative website. This website includes numerous resources for substitute teachers including "Whiteboard Topics," "Bag of Tricks," "Give a Test," "Something Puzzling," and much, much more! Before you enter a classroom - enter this website!
In the Classroom
This website provides easy, ready-to-go activities! There are activities for every grade level (from kindergarten to high school). This is a priceless resource for any substitute teacher.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Logic and Reasoning Games - Math Playground
Grades
K to 12
9 Favorites
0 Comments
Use this website to "clear out the cobwebs" in your students' minds. The site offers several interactive logic activities. Many require no reading. A few examples include Tetris, Rubik's...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Use this website to "clear out the cobwebs" in your students' minds. The site offers several interactive logic activities. Many require no reading. A few examples include Tetris, Rubik's Cube, Sliders, Towers and more. All activities require JAVA and FLASH. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): gifted (88), logic (248), problem solving (294), puzzles (204), substitutes (18)
In the Classroom
Use one of these on an interactive whiteboard as a brain warm-up at the beginning of class or as student enter the room. If you have a difficult group in a study hall, this site could keep them busy in a positive way. Substitutes will also love it! Include this link in your class's newsletter, classroom computer, or teacher web page for extra challenges and enrichment. Teachers of gifted can challenge their students to write "how to" directions for how to solve these puzzles, once they have figured them out!
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Lateral Puzzles - WebRing
Grades
3 to 12
9 Favorites
0 Comments
Build higher level thinking skills, especially flexibility in how students visualize and interpret a brief story. This challenging and interactive website has Lateral puzzles, both...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Build higher level thinking skills, especially flexibility in how students visualize and interpret a brief story. This challenging and interactive website has Lateral puzzles, both "active" and "solved." Registration is required if you guess an answer to one of the "active" puzzles. Registration is not necessary for reading the puzzles and clues. This site gives a lateral puzzle, and then the readers can ask questions to the original poster. Some of the "solved" puzzles could be used with younger students. However, the site is geared towards middle school and high school aged students.
Not sure what a Lateral Puzzle is? Read the FAQ section!
Not sure what a Lateral Puzzle is? Read the FAQ section!
tag(s): gifted (88), puzzles (204), thinking skills (16)
In the Classroom
Challenge your class with a "lateral puzzle of the day". This site would be perfect for your gifted students or to get everyone thinking at the start of class. Be sure to include the link on your web page! For an extra challenge when students have mastered the puzzles, ask them to analyze how they work and write some of their own.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Math Contest - Ole' Miss
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Find a problem of the week for elementary, middle and high school (algebra) as well as archived past problems on this simple site. You can submit your correct answer and ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Find a problem of the week for elementary, middle and high school (algebra) as well as archived past problems on this simple site. You can submit your correct answer and get your name listed as a winner for that week. New problems appear on Mondays.
In the Classroom
Include this link on your teacher web page or start class with it each week on a projector, giving extra credit to those whose names appear on the web page by the weekend!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Analytical Problems And Puzzles - folj.com
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This very simple site, created by an anonymous puzzle-lover, is a treasury for logic problems and lateral thinking puzzles to use in your classroom or beyond. Click on the puzzle ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This very simple site, created by an anonymous puzzle-lover, is a treasury for logic problems and lateral thinking puzzles to use in your classroom or beyond. Click on the puzzle type you want. Use them as brain warm-ups in a math or science class before venturing into problem-solving or inquiry process or simply to engage the brains before starting any activity. There are different levels of logic and different types of lateral thinking puzzles, each with a hint before revealing the complete answer. These puzzles would also be useful for gifted enrichment.
In the Classroom
If you don't have time to spend on these in class as often as you would like, print out a single lateral thinking or logic problem each week for your bulletin board and let the students argue about it all week. Or include this link on your teacher website for the students to access outside of class. This site is a life-saver for your study hall the day before a vacation!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Inventor of the Week - MIT Lemelson Center
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Lemelson Center at MIT offers a weekly profile of an inventor - some famous, many less so. If you're doing a unit on scientists, creativity, or economic/industrial growth, this...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Lemelson Center at MIT offers a weekly profile of an inventor - some famous, many less so. If you're doing a unit on scientists, creativity, or economic/industrial growth, this site can help students understand how many advances are the result of small, incremental improvements rather than revolutionary breakthroughs.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (92), scientists (69)
In the Classroom
Use the inventor of the week section as an activator at the beginning of every week in a science or Physics classroom. This could be used as an activator over the interactive whiteboard or as a learning center or station. This could be used every week or before inventive projects, serving as a motivator!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
World Geography Quizzes - Sheppard Software
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
With such poor results as a nation on geography testing, we all should try these geography games to build student knowledge of U.S. and world geography. Students can click on ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
With such poor results as a nation on geography testing, we all should try these geography games to build student knowledge of U.S. and world geography. Students can click on the region of the world and practice at different levels of difficulty. Even adults can find a challenge. Offered in a "dial up version" for those accessing the sites from a slower connection. Note: the non-dial-up pages require FLASH. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): capitals (24), continents (51), countries (81), maps (298)
In the Classroom
Be sure to put a link for these online games and quizzes on your teacher web page for the summer and throughout the school year. Students can use them to practice for your geography quizzes or as extra challenges. The different levels of dificulty will allow you to differentiate your instruction easily.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Matchstick Puzzles - zefrank.com
Grades
5 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
These six puzzles, involving virtual matchsticks, require some clever out-of-the-box thinking. Follow the directions to create a specific number of equal rectangles by moving a limited...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
These six puzzles, involving virtual matchsticks, require some clever out-of-the-box thinking. Follow the directions to create a specific number of equal rectangles by moving a limited number of matches. It's tougher than it looks. No hints given!
tag(s): puzzles (204)
In the Classroom
This is a great find for gifted students. Share the site on an interactive whiteboard or projector, and allow students to work on the puzzles in teams. Have the teams compete to see who can solve the puzzles the fastest, or complete the most. This site is tricky, but is an excellent enrichment activity for a unit on logic or geometry.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Random Sudoku
Grades
7 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Any Sudoku fans in your classroom? Send them to this site that provides problem-solving techniques, helpful for successfully conquering some of the most fiendish puzzles. Learn about...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Any Sudoku fans in your classroom? Send them to this site that provides problem-solving techniques, helpful for successfully conquering some of the most fiendish puzzles. Learn about crosshatching, slicing and dicing, and "penciling in." Discover the five rules that stress finding numbers for squares, rather than finding squares for umbers. This truly is a site for the Sudoku aficionados among us.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Scrabble
Grades
5 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The challenge and creativity of the original board game comes alive in this virtual version. Review the available tools that can undo, redo, withdraw, sort, and even save an ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The challenge and creativity of the original board game comes alive in this virtual version. Review the available tools that can undo, redo, withdraw, sort, and even save an uncompleted game. Although this "solitaire" Scrabble game misses the group interaction of the traditional version, it provides a great opportunity for creative, independent thought related to spelling and vocabulary.
tag(s): spelling (169), vocabulary (321)
In the Classroom
This "just for fun" activity can be utilized as a meaningful reward for completing class work early. Channel students to this site for some vocabulary building during down-time.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Mankala - Roger E. Critchlow, Jr.
Grades
7 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Most students are familiar with the traditional Mankala game that uses a rectangular wooden board and stones, but this online version adds a few interesting options and variations....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Most students are familiar with the traditional Mankala game that uses a rectangular wooden board and stones, but this online version adds a few interesting options and variations. Read the instructions carefully! Students can play against the computer or with a partner.
In the Classroom
Add this mind-stretching game of strategy to a unit on African history and culture. A nice activity to add to a celebration of Black History Month.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Ultimate Puzzle Site
Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This collection of puzzles, riddles, brainteasers, and interactive tests challenges students to think outside of the box and improve their analytical skills while having fun. Puzzles...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This collection of puzzles, riddles, brainteasers, and interactive tests challenges students to think outside of the box and improve their analytical skills while having fun. Puzzles are graded by level of difficulty and the amount of math needed to arrive at a solution.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Jig Zone - jigzone.com
Grades
1 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Make this virtual jigsaw puzzle site available for those inevitable moments of "downtime" in the classroom. Choose a topic from the gallery (preferably one that relates to your curriculum),...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Make this virtual jigsaw puzzle site available for those inevitable moments of "downtime" in the classroom. Choose a topic from the gallery (preferably one that relates to your curriculum), select a level of difficulty (number of pieces), and start the challege. These puzzles are not only a lot of fun, but good exercises for developing spatial skills. The pop-ups are annoying but can be blocked by Windows XP. Allow time for the site to load. Check the Frequently Asked Questions link (at the bottom of the page)for troubleshooting if you are having difficulty making the puzzles work.
tag(s): puzzles (204)
In the Classroom
Combine a brain-warming activity with a bit of review, and create your own jig-saws for students to solve! First, access the section entitled "Turn your photos into puzzles," and select an image pertinent to a specific unit and upload it to the site. Once the jigsaw puzzle has been created, have students open the puzzle on individual computers and compete to see who can get the best time putting the image back together! The best images to use would be diagrams, or model images of a particular object. This site works amazingly well for science classes were students need to be familiar with specific images. An example would be have anatomy students re-construct skeletal images, etc. A clever way to get their minds thinking!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Brainslider - Hoadworks, Inc.
Grades
8 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Students must grab a partner, choose a category, and test their knowledge with these interactive games that touch upon trivia related to historical dates, literature and writers, sports,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Students must grab a partner, choose a category, and test their knowledge with these interactive games that touch upon trivia related to historical dates, literature and writers, sports, and more.
tag(s): literature (272), sports (99)
In the Classroom
Use this site over the interactive whiteboard or projector as a competitive game for teams. Have student groups select team representatives to compete in any one of the topics. This would be a great way to review at the end of the year, or as a fun activity during the downtime between Standards of Learning assessments and the last day of school.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Word Morph - WordPlays.com
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This challenging, interactive word game is more than a "just-for-fun" activity. Students must use strategy and vocabulary skills to make changes to a starting word - one letter at a...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This challenging, interactive word game is more than a "just-for-fun" activity. Students must use strategy and vocabulary skills to make changes to a starting word - one letter at a time - and form a new word. Each word morph can be solved in 10 moves or less, but must be completed within 5 minutes. A purposeful and competitive "filler" to add to a language arts class.
tag(s): thesaurus (24), vocabulary (321), word choice (28)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning station for students who may finish work early, and need something productive to do to avoid bothering other students. To make it competitive, keep a record board near the computer where students can log their high scores. Competing against each other may make students more interested to play for a new minutes at a time, and less likely to disturb others in testing situations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form