Mathematics, Problem Solving

Grade 5- 8

Objective

Students learn how to solve logic problems by making a simple chart or drawing.

Directions

Dipsy is smarter than Beetle but not as smart as Elmer. Molly is smarter than Elmer but not as smart as Fussy. Buster is not as smart as Beetle. Who is the smartest of them all? Who is the least smart?

Start with the first sentence: Dipsy is smarter than Beetle but not as smart as Elmer. Make a chart like this:
(less smart)-----Beetle-----Dispy-----Elmer-----(smarter)
Do the second sentence: Molly is smarter than Elmer but not as smart as Fussy. Fill in the names on the chart to show that Fussy is smarter than Molly and Molly is smarter than Elmer.
(less smart)-----Beetle-----Dispy-----Elmer-----Molly-----Fussy-----(smarter)
Do the third sentence: Buster is not as smart as Beetle.
Complete the chart
(less smart)-----Buster-----Beetle-----Dispy-----Elmer-----Molly-----Fussy-----(smarter)

Resources

• Who's the Smartest? activity pages
• pencils