Math Word Problem Relay

Equipment list

  • Word problem question sheet cut into individual questions

  • Envelopes for each question (approximately 8 per class team)

  • Basket or bin or hula hoop for each team’s questions

  • Large stones, or some form of weight, to keep the envelopes from blowing away

Explanation

Class is divided into 4 or 5 teams (or colour teams). Each team is provided a set number of math word problems, individually placed in numbered envelopes. Envelopes are placed in a bin or basket at a set interval from each team.

½ of each team runs to retrieve a numbered envelope from their bin/basket and returns to the team. The team solves the word problem together. Once they have found their answer, the remaining half of the team runs to the teacher to provide their answer. The teacher holds the answer key. If the team has solved the problem correctly, they repeat the process for the remaining word problems. If they have not solved the question correctly, then they return to their group to find the correct answer, then return to their teacher.

The process continues until all the teams have solved all the answers.

Participants’ feedback on activity

A Grade 5 class took 45 minutes to answer 8 word problems.

ASK ID 2024-02-28-042-E

Grade 5 - 6, Grade 7 - 8Gasta DesignMathematics