Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
Algebraic Expressions Code
Cracker
Master Vocabulary, Simplification, Evaluation and Mathematical Reasoning
Secondary - Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Page 1 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
▸ Recognize and define core algebraic vocabulary, including variable, coefficient, term,
and constant.
▸ Explain how coefficients, variables, and constants combine to form the parts of an
algebraic expression.
▸ Define vocabulary related to simplifying expressions, including like terms, combine,
distribute, and expand.
▸ Classify algebraic expressions by the number of terms they contain (monomial,
binomial, trinomial, or polynomial).
▸ Use elimination reasoning to determine which algebraic expression matches which
description from indirect clues.
▸ Apply direct substitution across a repeated pattern of expressions, and correctly
sequence the steps for simplifying an expression by combining like terms.
▸ Translate and evaluate algebraic expressions for given variable values.
HOW TO PLAY - YOUR PUZZLE JOURNEY
This workbook takes you through seven puzzle-based activities, each designed to strengthen
a different mathematical thinking skill, from vocabulary recall and classification to logic,
sequencing, evaluation, and application, plus a dedicated Bonus Challenge Section with ten
tiered challenges, and a Player Progress Tracker at the end.
Every puzzle also includes its own Concept Check.
Every answer is collected together near the end so you (or a parent or teacher) can check the
work.
1 WORD SEARCH - Recognize: Find every key term hidden in the grid.
2 CONCEPT MAP - Connect: Fill in how key terms relate to one another.
Page 2 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
3 CROSSWORD - Retrieve: Use the clues to spell out each key term correctly.
4 SORT & CLASSIFY - Distinguish: Place each item into its correct category.
5 LOGIC GRID - Deduce: Use the clues to match each entity correctly.
SEQUENCE & PATTERN - Organize: Fill in several missing items, then
6
reorder a scrambled sequence, and explain the rule.
CODEBREAKER - Apply: Use the Code Key to answer each question and
7
reveal the hidden message.
BONUS CHALLENGE SECTION - Transfer: Complete ten tiered challenges
8
of increasing depth.
Page 3 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
ALGEBRAIC VOCABULARY UNLOCK - PUZZLE 1
OF 7: WORD SEARCH
Puzzle Focus: This warm-up reinforces the core vocabulary of algebraic expressions
before you apply these ideas in the puzzles ahead. Find every item from the word bank -
it may run across, down, or diagonally.
O E E E H U A S C N E N L
V C T J X Q S H V T G A D
A H E U N P P S A X C J C
R D D V T U R U A I T H P
I C M D D I L E R H X P T
A O W C K A T E S N E J A
B N J R V G M S Q S F M B
L S Q E A U U D B U I X K
E T V I N L N J K U M O X
G A L G E B R A I C S X N
T N D O P E R A T O R P E
I T F Y F I L P M I S C O
U L T N E I C I F F E O C
Page 4 Protymera
Algebraic Expressions Code
Cracker
Master Vocabulary, Simplification, Evaluation and Mathematical Reasoning
Secondary - Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Page 1 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
▸ Recognize and define core algebraic vocabulary, including variable, coefficient, term,
and constant.
▸ Explain how coefficients, variables, and constants combine to form the parts of an
algebraic expression.
▸ Define vocabulary related to simplifying expressions, including like terms, combine,
distribute, and expand.
▸ Classify algebraic expressions by the number of terms they contain (monomial,
binomial, trinomial, or polynomial).
▸ Use elimination reasoning to determine which algebraic expression matches which
description from indirect clues.
▸ Apply direct substitution across a repeated pattern of expressions, and correctly
sequence the steps for simplifying an expression by combining like terms.
▸ Translate and evaluate algebraic expressions for given variable values.
HOW TO PLAY - YOUR PUZZLE JOURNEY
This workbook takes you through seven puzzle-based activities, each designed to strengthen
a different mathematical thinking skill, from vocabulary recall and classification to logic,
sequencing, evaluation, and application, plus a dedicated Bonus Challenge Section with ten
tiered challenges, and a Player Progress Tracker at the end.
Every puzzle also includes its own Concept Check.
Every answer is collected together near the end so you (or a parent or teacher) can check the
work.
1 WORD SEARCH - Recognize: Find every key term hidden in the grid.
2 CONCEPT MAP - Connect: Fill in how key terms relate to one another.
Page 2 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
3 CROSSWORD - Retrieve: Use the clues to spell out each key term correctly.
4 SORT & CLASSIFY - Distinguish: Place each item into its correct category.
5 LOGIC GRID - Deduce: Use the clues to match each entity correctly.
SEQUENCE & PATTERN - Organize: Fill in several missing items, then
6
reorder a scrambled sequence, and explain the rule.
CODEBREAKER - Apply: Use the Code Key to answer each question and
7
reveal the hidden message.
BONUS CHALLENGE SECTION - Transfer: Complete ten tiered challenges
8
of increasing depth.
Page 3 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS) - Puzzle Based Mathematical Reasoning
ALGEBRAIC VOCABULARY UNLOCK - PUZZLE 1
OF 7: WORD SEARCH
Puzzle Focus: This warm-up reinforces the core vocabulary of algebraic expressions
before you apply these ideas in the puzzles ahead. Find every item from the word bank -
it may run across, down, or diagonally.
O E E E H U A S C N E N L
V C T J X Q S H V T G A D
A H E U N P P S A X C J C
R D D V T U R U A I T H P
I C M D D I L E R H X P T
A O W C K A T E S N E J A
B N J R V G M S Q S F M B
L S Q E A U U D B U I X K
E T V I N L N J K U M O X
G A L G E B R A I C S X N
T N D O P E R A T O R P E
I T F Y F I L P M I S C O
U L T N E I C I F F E O C
Page 4 Protymera
