critical thinking detective math

• Create an account

Critical Thinking Company Critical Thinking Detective: Math

Critical Thinking Company Critical Thinking Detective: Math CO-OP Pre-Orders made before July 17, 2024 available for pickup or shipping starting 8/1. All orders placed after 7/21 will be available 2 weeks after order is placed. Call us for details: 813-316-8299

Description & Features

These popular, easy-to-use detective cases are suitable for Grades 6 – 12+. Students must apply critical reading, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning. The mathematics needed to solve these cases require the application of common middle school math concepts, but don’t be fooled! The real challenges are to first identify the clues by synthesizing from different witnesses and suspects, and then determine the necessary math needed to turn the clues into evidence. Some cases may be more challenging for younger students, but teachers and parents can always use the optional hints provided to help students that reach a dead end. The cases also develop observation skills, reading comprehension, and deductive and inductive thinking skills. Learning to identify and evaluate evidence is the very heart of critical thinking.

Recently viewed

We proudly support.

• Advanced Mathematics
• Art & Music
• Home Learning
• Character Building
• Language Arts
• History & Geography
• Foreign Language
• Alpha Omega Products
• Educational CDs & Videos
• Educational Games
• Educational Puzzles
• Sign Language
• General Curriculum
• Math Manipulatives
• Maps & Globes
• Government & Economics
• Homeschool Helps
• Handwriting
• Literature Guides
• Manipulatives
• Reading Comprehension
• Lesson Planners & Records
• Logic & Critical Thinking
• Phonics & Reading
• Reading & Literature
• Hands-On Science Kits
• Social Emotional and Character Development
• Special Needs
• Unit Studies

Critical Thinking Detective™ – Math

Regular price $10.99 Sale

Vendor: A Brighter Child Homeschool & Educational Supplies

Categories: Logic & Critical Thinking

Tags: Religious:no

• Description

These popular, easy-to-use detective cases are suitable for Grades 6 – 12+. Students must apply critical reading, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning. The mathematics needed to solve these cases require the application of common middle school math concepts, but don’t be fooled! The real challenges are to first identify the clues by synthesizing from different witnesses and suspects, and then determine the necessary math needed to turn the clues into evidence.

Some cases may be more challenging for younger students, but teachers and parents can always use the optional hints provided to help students that reach a dead end. The cases also develop observation skills, reading comprehension, and deductive and inductive thinking skills. Learning to identify and evaluate evidence is the very heart of critical thinking.

48 pages. Grades 6-12.

From The Critical Thinking Company.

is added to your shopping cart.

You must be logged in to manage your wishlist.

• Create a List
• Cathy Duffy Reviews Home >
• Homeschool Extras >
• Critical Thinking & Logic >

Critical Thinking Detective Series

The Critical Thinking Detective™ series includes books under three strands: critical thinking, math , and vocabulary . This review focuses on the critical thinking strand that consists of three books titled Critical Thinking Detective with the subtitles  Beginning, Book 1, and Book 2 , respectively. Beginning is for grades three through twelve, and Book 1 and Book 2 are both for grades four through twelve.

In all three books, each lesson is set up on one page showing four possible culprits for a crime or misadventure. Students need to read a few paragraphs about the situation that usually include the statements of observers and some data points. Students then read brief statements from each of the suspects to gain further information. Students have to piece together information from the various sources to eliminate the three innocent parties and identify the one that is guilty.

Students are told to assume that the facts related by a witness or suspect are true statements. However, some statements are merely opinions, and students need to distinguish between fact and opinion to weigh the value of the statements.

The lessons remind me of the logic grid puzzles where you are given various bits of information, and the grid helps you keep track of your observations and conclusions. In this case, there are no grids, and students need to keep track of information mentally or with their own notes as they deduce the correct answer.

For instance, in one scenario, a witness says that the thief was “was six feet or slightly taller…” Images of the four suspects show that two of them are clearly taller than the others. The personal statement of one of the tall suspects tells us that he is about six feet tall. This statement helps the student narrow down to two suspects. The statement of one of the tall suspects tells us that he was with two friends at the time of the incident. A witness had said that the thief was alone, so this eliminates one of the two tall suspects and leaves only the guilty party.

Students do not know immediately which pieces of information are most critical, so they have to read carefully and reread to pick up details they missed the first time around.

An activity page that faces each lesson page is used either to help solve the mystery or as a follow-up. While all of the activity pages ask students to identify the best evidence for innocence and guilt for each suspect, the activity pages in the Beginning book differ significantly from those in the other two books in ways that make them easier. In Beginning , the sentences in the lesson are numbered, and students are asked to fill in the number of the sentence that provides the best evidence. The conclusion requires students to fill in some blanks rather than compose their own sentences. And the activity page generally identifies two of the innocent suspects, requiring students to only identify the sentence that supports those conclusions. Because these activity-page features make it easier for the student to solve each mystery, you might give younger students access to the activity page in the Beginning book before they arrive at their own conclusion, but you should require older students to figure out the guilty party before they see the activity page.

The other two books also number the sentences in the lesson, but the activity pages are mostly blank forms that require students to write out their explanations in complete sentences regarding the innocence or guilt of each suspect. Students have to identify the numbers of the sentences they use as evidence.

Each book has twelve lessons, so a student could complete two or all three books in one year using one lesson per week. These books are available in print or as ebooks (in a proprietary format only for Windows systems that allows you to read and print the pages). Answer keys with full explanations are at the back of each book.

Most students (as well as adults) are likely to experience the lessons in these books as entertaining puzzles to solve. Students can use these independently or they can read and discuss them with others as they sort out the clues together.

Pricing Information

When comparison prices appear, please keep in mind that they are subject to change. Click on links where available to verify price accuracy.

Critical Thinking Detective Book 2 (Grades 4-12+)

• $9.99 at Amazon.com
• $3.98 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace
• $9.99 at Christianbook.com
• $9.99 at ExodusBooks.com
• $9.99 at Rainbowresource.com

Critical Thinking Detective - Beginning

• $3.88 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace

Critical Thinking Detective Book 1 (Grades 4-12+)

• $3.50 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace

Homeschool Extras

• Approaches to Education
• College & Career Prep
• Creative Learning
• Critical Thinking & Logic
• Parent Helps and How-To Books
• Testing & Special Needs
• Worldview Curriculum
• Articles on Education Issues
• Online Schools and Courses
• Register | Log in

Instant Key

• Need For Parent or Teacher Instruction: varies
• Learning Environment: all situations
• Grade Level: grades 3-12
• Educational Methods: stories, puzzles, discussion, critical thinking
• Technology: other ebook
• Educational Approaches: unschooling or relaxed homeschooling, eclectic

Publisher's Info

• The Critical Thinking Co.™
• (800) 458-4849
• https://www.criticalthinking.com/

Note: Publishers, authors, and service providers never pay to be reviewed. They do provide free review copies or online access to programs for review purposes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Order Tracking
• Create an Account

200+ Award-Winning Educational Textbooks, Activity Books, & Printable eBooks!

• Compare Products

Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies

• Search by Book Series
• Algebra I & II  Gr. 7-12+
• Algebra Magic Tricks  Gr. 2-12+
• Algebra Word Problems  Gr. 7-12+
• Balance Benders  Gr. 2-12+
• Balance Math & More!  Gr. 2-12+
• Basics of Critical Thinking  Gr. 4-7
• Brain Stretchers  Gr. 5-12+
• Building Thinking Skills  Gr. Toddler-12+
• Building Writing Skills  Gr. 3-7
• Bundles - Critical Thinking  Gr. PreK-9
• Bundles - Language Arts  Gr. K-8
• Bundles - Mathematics  Gr. PreK-9
• Bundles - Multi-Subject Curriculum  Gr. PreK-12+
• Bundles - Test Prep  Gr. Toddler-12+
• Can You Find Me?  Gr. PreK-1
• Complete the Picture Math  Gr. 1-3
• Cornell Critical Thinking Tests  Gr. 5-12+
• Cranium Crackers  Gr. 3-12+
• Creative Problem Solving  Gr. PreK-2
• Critical Thinking Activities to Improve Writing  Gr. 4-12+
• Critical Thinking Coloring  Gr. PreK-2
• Critical Thinking Detective  Gr. 3-12+
• Critical Thinking Tests  Gr. PreK-6
• Critical Thinking for Reading Comprehension  Gr. 1-5
• Critical Thinking in United States History  Gr. 6-12+
• CrossNumber Math Puzzles  Gr. 4-10
• Crypt-O-Words  Gr. 2-7
• Crypto Mind Benders  Gr. 3-12+
• Daily Mind Builders  Gr. 5-12+
• Dare to Compare Math  Gr. 2-7
• Developing Critical Thinking through Science  Gr. 1-8
• Dr. DooRiddles  Gr. PreK-12+
• Dr. Funster's  Gr. 2-12+
• Editor in Chief  Gr. 2-12+
• Fun-Time Phonics!  Gr. PreK-2
• Half 'n Half Animals  Gr. K-4
• Hands-On Thinking Skills  Gr. K-1
• Inference Jones  Gr. 1-6
• James Madison  Gr. 10-12+
• Jumbles  Gr. 3-5
• Language Mechanic  Gr. 4-7
• Language Smarts  Gr. 1-4
• Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving  Gr. 6-9
• Math Analogies  Gr. K-9
• Math Detective  Gr. 3-8
• Math Games  Gr. 3-8
• Math Mind Benders  Gr. 5-12+
• Math Ties  Gr. 4-8
• Math Word Problems  Gr. 4-10
• Mathematical Reasoning  Gr. Toddler-11
• Middle School Science  Gr. 6-8
• Mind Benders  Gr. PreK-12+
• Mind Building Math  Gr. K-1
• Mind Building Reading  Gr. K-1
• Novel Thinking  Gr. 3-6
• OLSAT® Test Prep  Gr. PreK-K
• Organizing Thinking  Gr. 2-8
• Pattern Explorer  Gr. 3-9
• Practical Critical Thinking  Gr. 8-12+
• Punctuation Puzzler  Gr. 3-8
• Reading Detective  Gr. 3-12+
• Red Herring Mysteries  Gr. 4-12+
• Red Herrings Science Mysteries  Gr. 4-9
• Science Detective  Gr. 3-6
• Science Mind Benders  Gr. PreK-3
• Science Vocabulary Crossword Puzzles  Gr. 4-6
• Sciencewise  Gr. 4-12+
• Scratch Your Brain  Gr. 2-12+
• Sentence Diagramming  Gr. 3-12+
• Smarty Pants Puzzles  Gr. 3-12+
• Snailopolis  Gr. K-4
• Something's Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha  Gr. 5-9
• Teaching Technology  Gr. 3-12+
• Tell Me a Story  Gr. PreK-1
• Think Analogies  Gr. 3-12+
• Think and Write  Gr. 3-8
• Think-A-Grams  Gr. 4-12+
• Thinking About Time  Gr. 3-6
• Thinking Connections  Gr. 4-12+
• Thinking Directionally  Gr. 2-6
• Thinking Skills & Key Concepts  Gr. PreK-2
• Thinking Skills for Tests  Gr. PreK-5
• U.S. History Detective  Gr. 8-12+
• Understanding Fractions  Gr. 2-6
• Visual Perceptual Skill Building  Gr. PreK-3
• Vocabulary Riddles  Gr. 4-8
• Vocabulary Smarts  Gr. 2-5
• Vocabulary Virtuoso  Gr. 2-12+
• What Would You Do?  Gr. 2-12+
• Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know!  Gr. 9-12+
• Word Explorer  Gr. 4-8
• Word Roots  Gr. 3-12+
• World History Detective  Gr. 6-12+
• Writing Detective  Gr. 3-6
• You Decide!  Gr. 6-12+

Critical Thinking Detective™ – Math Beginning

Fun mystery cases to improve math skills.

Grades: 5-12+

Critical Thinking, Mathematics

•  Multiple Award Winner
• Paperback Book - $10.99
• eBook - $10.99

Description and Features

These popular, easy-to-use detective cases are suitable for Grades 5 – 12+. Students must apply critical reading, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning. The mathematics needed to solve these cases is accessible to middle school and upper elementary school students, but don’t be fooled! The real challenges are to first identify the clues by synthesizing from different witnesses and suspects, and then determine the necessary math needed to turn the clues into evidence. This book starts with cases that are generally more accessible than cases in the companion Critical Thinking Detective – Math (Grades 6 – 12+), and then builds towards cases of comparable difficulty.

Some cases may be more challenging for younger students, but teachers and parents can always use the optional hints provided to help students that reach a dead end. The cases also develop observation skills, reading comprehension, and deductive and inductive thinking skills. Learning to identify and evaluate evidence is the very heart of critical thinking. For more critical thinking and detective fun, please see the complete Critical Thinking Detective series and Something's Fishy in Lake Iwannafisha .

Product Details

General License - Download

SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY

This is a legal agreement between you (a single entity, company, or educational institution) and The Critical Thinking Co.™ for the software accompanying this agreement, which includes computer Software and associated Documentation. By installing this Software on a computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly erase all copies of the software in your possession and return any Software packaging associated with this order within sixty (60) days of purchase to the place from which you obtained it for a full refund.

The Critical Thinking Co.™ hereby grants to you a non-exclusive license to use the software product identified above (the "Software") and the accompanying printed materials and User Manual (the "Documentation") on the terms set forth below.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. The Critical Thinking Co.™ grants you the right to install and use this Software Product, provided that this software will be installed only in the quantity and for the computer system(s) indicated at the time of your order for the Software.

2. COPYRIGHT. The Software Product and Documentation are protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. Therefore, you must treat the Software Product like any other copyrighted material. You may not remove, modify, or alter any of The Critical Thinking Co.'s™ copyright or trademark notices from any part originally contained in or otherwise created by the Software Product, including any notices contained in the Documentation.

3. RESTRICTIONS. You may not modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the Software, or any portion thereof. The Software Product is licensed as a single product. This Software Product can be installed on a computer as a whole and shall not be separated in parts or disassembled to parts or pieces. You may not rent, lease, or lend the Software or Documentation to any other party without the written permission of The Critical Thinking Co.™. The License is in effect until terminated. The License will terminate automatically if you fail to comply with the limitations described herein. On termination, you must destroy all copies of the Software and Documentation.

4. WARRANTIES. The Critical Thinking Co.™ expressly disclaims any warranty for the Software Product. The Software and Documentation is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising out of use or performance of the Software remains with you. If media within this package is defective, remove the software application from your device(s) and return any software packaging associated with this order to The Critical Thinking Co.™ within 60 days of the date of purchase, and they will replace it at no charge.

5. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. In no event shall The Critical Thinking Co.™ or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this Software Product, even if The Critical Thinking Co.™ has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

6. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement represents the complete agreement concerning this license between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and representations between them. This Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by both parties. The acceptance of any purchase order placed by you is expressly made conditional on your assent to the terms set forth herein, and not those contained within your purchase order. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be reformed only to the extend necessary to make it enforceable and the remainder of this Agreement shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect. If you acquired this product in the United States, the laws of the State of California govern this Agreement. If this product was acquired outside the United States, then local laws may apply. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, or if you desire to contact The Critical Thinking Co.™ for any reason, please write to The Critical Thinking Co.™, PO Box 1610, Seaside, CA 93950-1610, USA; send a fax to 831-393-3277; send email to [email protected]; call 800-458-4849; or refer to The Critical Thinking Co.™'s Website at http://www.criticalthinking.com/ .

The Old Schoolhouse - Homeschool Blue Ribbon Award for Favorite Middle School Product

Bundle Content

Customer reviews, other products in the same series view product series page.

• Add to Cart Add to Cart Remove This Item
• Special of the Month
• Sign Up for our Best Offers
• Bundles = Greatest Savings!
• Sign Up for Free Puzzles
• Sign Up for Free Activities
• Toddler (Ages 0-3)
• PreK (Ages 3-5)
• Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)
• 1st Grade (Ages 6-7)
• 2nd Grade (Ages 7-8)
• 3rd Grade (Ages 8-9)
• 4th Grade (Ages 9-10)
• 5th Grade (Ages 10-11)
• 6th Grade (Ages 11-12)
• 7th Grade (Ages 12-13)
• 8th Grade (Ages 13-14)
• 9th Grade (Ages 14-15)
• 10th Grade (Ages 15-16)
• 11th Grade (Ages 16-17)
• 12th Grade (Ages 17-18)
• 12th+ Grade (Ages 18+)
• Test Prep Directory
• Test Prep Bundles
• Test Prep Guides
• Preschool Academics
• Store Locator
• Submit Feedback/Request
• Sales Alerts Sign-Up
• Technical Support
• Mission & History
• Articles & Advice
• Testimonials
• Our Guarantee
• New Products
• Free Activities
• Libros en Español

No products in the cart.

CTC: Critical Thinking Detective

Seamlessly add your Critical Thinking Detective Math curriculum from The Critical Thinking Company to your homeschool schedule with these lesson plans for use with your Homeschool Planet subscription. The  Critical Thinking Detective easy-to-use detective cases develop critical thinking skills by requiring students to read carefully and analyze and synthesize information to guide their decision-making. Critical Thinking Detective -Vocabulary books are fun ways to learn new vocabulary! Critical Thinking Detective -Math books apply critical reading, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning.

CTC: Critical Thinking Detective and Homeschool Planet

These lesson plans applied within your Homeschool Planet planner will help you stay on track in your CTC: Critical Thinking Detective course.

What’s Included:  

• 1 year of CTC: Critical Thinking Detective Lesson Plans with all assignments laid out. 
• Reading Detective Lesson Plan Package includes all 7 lesson plans!
• Check boxes for your students to check off as they complete their assignments, giving them a sense of accomplishment and you a permanent record of their achievement.
• Automatic rescheduling of assignments when “life happens”
• “Daily Digest” email reminders to help you and your child stay on track
• Grade tracking to recognize or reward completion of work.
• Attendance records for states where this is required.
• Extensive reports to help you manage grades, attendance, activities, and more.
• Automatic lesson plan updates as needed, with enhancements, link updates, etc.
• You decide whether to apply ongoing updates.
• Curriculum is not included and should be purchased separately. Links are provided to purchase curriculum when available.

Please note: These lesson plans are subject to copyright laws and cannot be used beyond those in your household. By “household” we mean a person or persons sharing the same single family housing unit such as a home, apartment, mobile home or condominium. You may reach us with any questions at [email protected] .

Click the images below to see a sample of the lesson plan

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

GDPR Privacy Policy - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

These popular, easy-to-use detective cases are perfect for Grades 6 - 12+. Students must apply critical reading, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning skills plus common middle school math concepts. The real challenges are to first identify the clues by synthesizing from different witnesses and suspects, and then determine the necessary math needed to turn the clues into evidence.

Some cases may be more challenging for younger students, but optional hints are provided. The cases also develop observation skills, reading comprehension, and deductive and inductive thinking skills.

48 reproducible pages, softcover. Grades 6-12.

• Education & Teaching
• Schools & Teaching

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Math Detective Beginning Workbook - Higher-Order Thinking, Reading, & Writing in Mathematics (Grades 3-4) Paperback – January 1, 2003

Additional details.

• Reading age 8 - 10 years
• Print length 110 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 3 and up
• Dimensions 11 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches
• Publisher The Critical Thinking Co.
• Publication date January 1, 2003
• ISBN-10 0894558021
• ISBN-13 978-0894558023
• See all details

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Critical Thinking Co. (January 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 110 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0894558021
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0894558023
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 10 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches
• #1,110 in Math Teaching Materials
• #2,909 in Early Childhood Education Materials
• #7,011 in Education Workbooks (Books)

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Over 60 Years Experience Helping Kids Learn to Think!

The Critical Thinking Co.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 70% 26% 0% 0% 4% 70%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 70% 26% 0% 0% 4% 26%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 70% 26% 0% 0% 4% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 70% 26% 0% 0% 4% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 70% 26% 0% 0% 4% 4%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices