These logic problems were designed to improve students’ deductive-reasoning and other critical-thinking skills. They also improve memory and reading-comprehension skills and encourage students to expand their vocabularies. The logic mysteries are divided into three levels, with Level I containing the easiest problems and Level III containing the most difficult. Also provided is a template for students to create their own logic mysteries.

Students should work on most of these mysteries alone, in pairs, or in small groups. Groups can compete against each other to see which group can solve the problem first. You may also want to do a few on the board as a whole-class activity. In this case it is probably best not to give students their own copies. Instead, have students listen carefully and perhaps jot down a note or two as you read the story and the clues. As an extra challenge, do a few without filling in the matrix on the board. Students must listen carefully and try to remember the information in the story and the clues! You will probably want to start with easier ones for this option. Another option is to have students take a problem home to do as a family activity.

Students should read the introduction to each mystery carefully. Explain that some of the information given here probably will be needed to solve the mystery. Instruct students to use context clues to figure out any new vocabulary words which appear and to use their dictionaries if they still aren’t sure of the meaning.

The following should be kept in mind as students work on these mysteries:
• Names that are usually girls’ names can be assumed to be girls’ names.
• Names that are usually boys’ names can be assumed to be boys’ names.
• It is sometimes necessary to re-read the introduction. There may be important information not repeated in the clues.
• Some clues may not be used to solve the mystery.
• Some clues may be useful later on when more facts are known.
• A matrix (grid) helps organize the information.
• It sometimes helps to make a diagram (i.e., a seating chart).

A Hints for Solving Logic Mysteries sheet is provided for duplication.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 3–5.