Concept Quests

Concept Quests is a collection of engaging, thought-provoking math tasks developed by The Math Learning Center.  Designed to enrich learning alongside core programs like Bridges in Mathematics, it invites elementary students (Grades K-5) to dive deeper into mathematical concepts through creative problem-solving. 

What is Concept Quest? 

Think of Concept Quest as a math adventure or puzzle.  Concept Quest presents open-ended challenge problems.  These tasks are designed with "multiple entry points," meaning children of various skill levels can jump in, try out their ideas, and discover solutions in their own way. 

Depending on the grade level, tasks might ask children to explore patterns, tackle real-worl scenarios, or experiment with visual shapes and numbers.

What is the Purpose of Concept Quests? 

• Encourages Perseverance: Kids learn that hitting a roadblock is a natural part of problem-solving.  It shifts the goal from getting a quick answer to exploring how and why things work. 

• Provides Horizontal Enrichment:  Rather than pushing kids ahead to higher-grade math concepts and algorithms too quickly, Concept Quest expands their current grade-level thinking by helping them build deeper understanding and flexibility with math concepts.

• Builds Confidence:  By offering open-ended tasks with multiple ways to solve them, every student can contribute meaningful ideas and feel success as a math thinker. 

• Deepens Conceptual Understanding: It encourages children to apply math in novel ways rather than just memorizing rules.