Introduction
Contents
Perplexors are deductive logic puzzles. They are specifically designed to challenge and extend mainstream or more able students. It is strongly recommended that the teacher models the process of deductive reasoning once or twice with the students, if necessary, before allowing them to work independently (or in pairs or small groups).
Introduction ........................................ iii Contents ............................................. iii Instructions ......................................... iv
When you are faced with a number of options, logic is often used to make a choice. Logic uses reasoning and proof to help you analyse information and come to a conclusion.
Now that’s an election! ........................ 1 A fair day ............................................. 2 A friendly lunch ................................... 3 A day in the life of four crows .............. 4 The King! ............................................. 5 Ant the eat goes on .............................. 6 Italian stars .......................................... 7 Barely bear facts .................................. 8 Gopher it! ............................................ 9 You call that a farm? .......................... 10 In search of chickens ......................... 11 Stranded lawyers ............................... 12 Camp fun .......................................... 13 Crossing chickens .............................. 14 Football injuries ................................. 15 Fowl food .......................................... 16 Weird pet tricks ................................. 17 Fine swine ......................................... 18 Auction action ................................... 19 I’m stuck on me! ................................ 20 Fishing facts ....................................... 21 Skiing fun .......................................... 22 The play ............................................. 23 Talent contest .................................... 24 A fair contest ..................................... 25 Mothers and sons .............................. 26 Taste the difference! ........................... 27 Lunchroom secrets ............................ 28 Off the hook! ..................................... 29 A day at the mall ............................... 30 Buying a car ...................................... 31 The collectors .................................... 32 Five teachers ...................................... 33 On to high school .............................. 34 Super disagreement ........................... 35 Pet problems ...................................... 36 A hairy puzzle ................................... 37 Going to the movies .......................... 38 Birthday gifts ..................................... 39 Playing house .................................... 40 Menu madness! ................................. 41 Happy haunting ground ..................... 42 Family differences .............................. 43 Ups and downs of shopping .............. 44 The bookshop .................................... 45 Chicken olympics .............................. 46 School report fun ............................... 47 Chirper by the dozen ......................... 48 Answers ....................................... 49–51
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Perhaps the easiest way to understand this technique is to look at the sample puzzle on page iv and follow along as the reasons for crossing off and circling an answer are given.
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All the information needed to solve a Perplexors logic problem is given in the puzzle story and its following clues. In the beginning, all the possibilities are listed for each category. As they are eliminated by information given in the clues, these possibilities should be crossed off. In a vertical column, if all the answers in a column are eliminated except for one, then that one remaining possibility must be the answer and it should be circled. The same is true in horizontal rows. If all the possibilities are eliminated in a row except for one, then that one remaining possibility must be the answer and it should be circled.
Puzzles
Perplexors are not designed as easy, done-in-a-minute activities. Rather, they are challenges that require a reasoned, logical response over time. They will both challenge and extend students.
There are many ways in which these puzzles can be used in a classroom. The following are examples only, not an exhaustive list.
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Homework This is not a ‘more of the same’ activity; it is an opportunity for students to consolidate and expand on what they have learnt in the classroom.
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Extension activities This is self-explanatory. The extension could be in terms of content or process.
Small-group problem-solving Thinking and talking logically are two vital skills. By working on the logic puzzles in pairs or small groups, thinking and talking about the problem, students can share and strengthen these skills. Whole-class challenges Teacher assistance may be required with some students; modelling is an effective strategy. ‘Extras’ This is mainly a fun activity/challenge for the more able or advanced students.
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Perplexors
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