Math Topic: Logic & Reasoning

Subtopic: Logic

Grades: 3-5

In the Cyberchase episode “Of All the Luck,” the kids use a Venn diagram as a tool for logical reasoning and save the Lucky Charms from Hacker. In this activity, your students practice the same skills as they play the “Secret Sort” game.

Learning Objective:

Students use logical reasoning and attributes to sort objects into overlapping circles.

NCTM Standard: Reasoning & Proof

DIRECTIONS

Materials Needed:

- Magazines

- Newspapers

- Tape

- Scissors

- Two pieces of string, each 36 inches long

Tip: A simple Venn diagram consists of two overlapping circles. Objects with one attribute go in the left circle. Objects with another attribute go in the right circle. Objects with both attributes go in the overlapping part of the circles. Objects with neither attribute go outside both circles.

Class periods: 1

1. To demonstrate how Venn diagrams work, have students cut out some pictures of people from magazines and newspapers. Draw overlapping circles on the board. As a class, decide which attributes to use to sort the pictures (such as people with brown hair; people with glasses; people with brown hair and glasses; people with neither brown hair nor glasses). Have students tape the pictures to the appropriate spot on the board.

2. Once students are comfortable with using the Venn diagrams, they're ready to play the Secret Sort game. Set out an assortment of objects or pictures. Use the string to make overlapping circles on a table.

Tip: You can also sort the students based on attributes such as hair, eye, or clothing color; whether they have shirts with pockets or shoes that tie, etc.

3. Secretly decide on a set of attributes for sorting the objects.

4. Invite a student to put an object in one of the four areas, making a guess as to where it should go. Say “yes” if the item was sorted correctly, or “no” if it wasn’t. (If “no,” return the item to the pile.) Repeat with the next student. Once students have sorted three or four items correctly, they should be able to improve their guesses. Ask: Is it getting any easier to make a guess? What do you know that is making it easier? The game is over once the students have guessed the attributes and the objects are sorted.

Cyberchase Episode: “Of All the Luck”

Convinced that his failure to defeat Motherboard is simply a result of bad luck, Hacker collects the Ten Lucky Charms of Cyberspace. The caper works. Hacker’s luck changes, and good things begin happening to him. When Motherboard realizes what Hacker has done, she sends the kids and Digit to Hacker’s hideout in the Northern Frontier to help the Lucky Charms escape. The kids use logic, Venn Diagrams and an understanding of the words "and," "or," and "not" to free the Charms.

The Big Idea:
When you have to choose from a confusing mix of possibilities, you can use logic — a set of tools for thinking clearly — to picture and refine your choices so you can get exactly what you want.

More Math Fun:

Have students play with each other using either the pictures from Step 1 or other objects.

Cyberchase FOR REAL (Epilogue)

Bianca and her friends are ordering a pizza. One of her friends wants anchovies. Bianca can’t bear to be near them, let alone eat them! How can they order a pie with the toppings arranged so the anchovies are nowhere near her pieces?

Online games featuring similar math themes:
Logic Zoo! (A zoo made up of Venn diagrams)