Guess My Rule

Grade 5 Mathematics
Routine - Guess My Rule

Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMP) #2 , #3

Guess My Rule allows students to reason about number characteristics, place value, and number relationships. Students use inductive reasoning to determine a rule for a category/categories. Students are able to make conjectures and test their ideas. Categories can be structured using a Venn diagram (single circle or double circle), or simply “Yes” and “No” columns. There are variations for how the routine can unfold.

The teacher can generate a series of numbers that fit the rule/categories and do not. The teacher can start to place the numbers correctly into the categories as students begin to reason about their placement and notice relationships. Student can begin to use agreed upon signals (EPR) to predict a given number’s placement. Students can also offer their own numbers and predict whether they fit the rule to test out their ideas.
Students can generate their own numbers and predict their placement. As more numbers are placed, students make observations and begin to develop ideas about what the rule could be. Students suggest numbers to test out their ideas. 

This routine can deepen students understanding of number relationships.  For example, using a double GuessMyRule_multiples2_3_6.pngVenn diagram with the rules, ‘multiples of 2’ and ‘multiples of 3,’ students may notice that numbers that are both multiples of 2 and multiples of 3, are in fact, multiples of 6. You may start with two sorting circles that are not overlapping and slowing move them towards until they create a double venn diagram.  This will show the overlap of numbers that are both multiples of 2 and multiples of 3. 

 

 

Examples of Rules:

Based on Place Value:

  • in the _place; 4 in the hundreds place
  • The digit in the _ place is greater/less than
  • The sum of digits in tens and ones place is __ 

 

Based on Number Characteristics:

  • Odd
  • Even
  • Prime
  • Composite
  • Multiples of _
  • Factors of _
  • Can be divided equally by/Divisible by __

 

 

Based on Magnitude:

  • Greater than…..
  • Less than……
  • # of Digits 

 

 

Third Grade Example Based on Place Value:GuessMyRule_5intensplace.png

Teacher starts with a T-Chart labeled yes and no. Teacher places 250 in the yes, pauses and then places 54 in yes.  Next 143 is placed in the No column.  Teacher continues to add one number at a time, asking students what they notice and what the rule is.

  

 

 

Fourth Grade Example Based on Number Characteristic:

Teacher starts with two circles. GuessMyRule_Prime_Composite.pngTeacher writes/places a composite number in one of the circles. Teacher write/places a prime number in the other the circle. Teacher continues to add one number at a time, asking students what they notice and what the rule is. Once students determine what the rule is, have students provide two additional examples of numbers that fit the rule criteria.  

 

 

 

Fifth Grade Example Based on Magnitude:   

Teacher starts with one circle. Teacher GuessMyRule_Greaterthan2.5.pngwrites/places a fraction greater than two and one-half in the circle. Teacher write/places a fraction less than two and one-half outside of the circle. Teacher continues to add one number at a time, asking students what they notice and what the rule is. Once students determine what the rule is, have students provide two additional examples of numbers that fit the rule criteria.  

 

 

 

 

 

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