Yes, There Are Fun Math Tests

The first day of class in a new semester is always a time of great excitement and nervousness for the students and especially, for me. No matter how many times I teach a class I am always nervous with anticipation during the first class.

As part of the ice-breaking process I give the students a fun math test to complete while I am setting out the math materials. It has a serious side to it too because I want the students to begin the semester with the sense that math really has dynamic, creative, and aesthetic qualities as well as being a "useful" subject. Math is also the "science of pattern", a theme we celebrate and develop throughout the semester.

Now here's the fun math test we did. The letters stand for words that are related to the numbers. For example the first one is "Wheel on a Unicycle".

1 = W on a U ………………………………………………..

3 = B M (S H T R)…………………………………………..

4 = Q in a G………………………………………………….

5 = D in a Z C………………………………………………..

7 = W of the W………………………………………………

8 = S on a S S…………………………………………………

9 = P in the S S……………………………………………….

11 = P on a F T ………………………………………………

12 = S of the Z……………………………………………….

13 = S on the A F…………………………………………….

16 = O in a P…………………………………………………

18 = H on a G C …………………………………………….

24 = H in a D…………………………………………………

26 = L of the A……………………………………………….

27 = C F in a C Y…………………………………………….

29 = D in F in a L Y………………………………………….

32 = D F at which W F………………………………………

52 = W  in a Y……………………………………………….

54 = C in a D ( with the Js)………………………………….

57 = H V …………………………………………………….

64 = S on a C B………………………………………………

88 = P K …………………………………………………….

90 = D in a R A……………………………………………..

200 = D for P G in M……………………………………….

212 = D F at which W B……………………………………

1000 = W that a P is W…………………………………….

1001 = A N ………………………………………………..

Let me know if you need help.

By the way, one of the students in class yesterday suggested that the perfect way to pour a bottle of Heinz 57 sauce is at 57 degrees!