The Secret Code

Crack the secret code!

With strategy, an understanding of numbers and the right questions, you are sure to crack the code.

Goals

To use a multi-step strategy to ask appropriate questions and guess a 3-digit secret number.

Player 1 writes a secret number on their numerical baseplate using 3 bricks or less.

Player 2 guesses the number by asking relevant questions such as:

– How many bricks have you used?

– Is it an even number?

– Is the figure in the tens place odd or even?

– Does it start with a 7?
Is it higher or lower than 500?

Until they find the answer!

Suggest the children manipulate the bricks and discuss strategy: What’s the best way to remember all of your questions and then the answers? Which questions work best?
Determine a time limit or a maximum number of questions.
Increase the number of players: more than one player asks questions.
Increase the number of bricks in the secret code.