Lesson Materials

Share

Doorman's Code graphic

You’re trying to attend a secret meeting, but the doorman just keeps saying numbers at you! You notice that other people seem to know what number to reply with, so there must be a pattern.

In this activity, detectives must use what they know about math operations to find patterns. Once they crack the doorman’s code, see what codes they can come up with by themselves!

This is an adaptation of the activity used by Zoom, created by WGBH in Boston, Massachusetts.

Math Mess: The Bulging Briefcase
Cookie Monster's Investigation

Related Lessons

  • In this step-by-step activity video, we create a fun Bingo-style board game while helping your child develop number and counting skills. This video is included as part of PBS SoCal’s Family Math initiative, which provides math tools and support for families of young learners.

  • In this step-by-step activity video, we hunt through magazines and newspapers for shapes while talking to our children about shape names and attributes. We then create colorful collages to share with the family. This video is included as part of PBS SoCal’s Family Math initiative, which provides math tools and support for families of young learners.

  • In this step-by-step activity video, we learn to identify and create patterns before creating a simple loom from popsicle sticks and twine. The loom can be used to create endless patterns for hours of math related fun. This video is included as part of PBS SoCal’s Family Math initiative, which provides math tools and support for families of young learners.