Logic Puzzle and Claims Evidence Reasoning Writing Prompt

This brain teaser is an engaging way for students to develop critical thinking skills. Great as an extension, warm-up, transition activity or as a part of emergency sub plans, this logic puzzle also asks students to use the C-E-R structure to answer two writing prompts once they have solved the puzzle.

The "Easel Activity" has been created for you - NO PREP - just assign because all of the answer boxes have been created for you and your students! If you find that your students would rather do the solving on paper but you are teaching remotely, have them solve the puzzle on their own scrap paper and then use the digital activity to turn in their answers. Easy-Peasey!

n this puzzle, students are asked to determine the number of push-ups, sit-ups, and the time of a mile run for six middle school students. The clues use greater than, less than, and basic math skills as well as be able to use clues such as, "...the person that ran the fastest did the fewest sit-ups..." and "...the slowest runner had the most push-ups and sit-ups combined..."

The two prompts then ask students to make a claim as to which student was the fittest and whether the girls or boys won the fitness challenge. There are multiple right answers to the prompt, so students will need to cite the evidence and explain their reasoning for selecting one group or the other.

This puzzle may have a fitness theme, but it is suitable for any content in which making a claim, citing evidence, and explaining reasoning is a part of the curriculum - not just PE or Health.

There are three versions of the same puzzle: one that is two-up to save paper, one with blank space, and one with a grid. The writing prompts are also in two varieties: one with free-form blank space and one with a graphic organizer for the claim, evidence, and reasoning. The preview shows all versions so that you can determine if the product is right for your students.

Suitable for any content - every student in any class benefits from improving their critical thinking! This puzzle is probably most suited for grades 6 - 8; younger students could complete this with some support, older students will still enjoy the challenge - they'll just finish a bit sooner :)

Included is a guide to solving logic puzzles using the process of elimination. Of course, an answer key is also included :)

Note: This puzzle is a part of a bundle of sports-themed puzzles that I sell for a significant discount. You can see that packet here: Sports Themed Logic Puzzle Packet

I have several other high-quality logic puzzles for sale here on TpT! See them all here in my store:

All of Science Vault's Logic Puzzles

Or go directly to a couple of my best selling puzzles:

General Subject Logic Puzzle Packet

Physical Science Logic Puzzles