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Einstein's Riddle
Materials for Download: Einstein's Riddle
This is a logic puzzle made into an information gap exercise. The riddle is a fairly old one and I couldn't find any proof that Einstein actually made it, but it has his name attached to it nonetheless, so I've left the title as 'the Einstein Riddle'.
The object of this activity is to work together to find out who keeps a fish as a pet using just the clues that are provided. This activity can be done with big classes or small groups. You may have to provide some hints along the way.
Here's how the class works: Make a copy of the riddle sheet for each student of the class (but don't hand it out yet). Also make one copy of the individual clues for each group of four. Give an individual clue set to each member of each group. The student must memorize the two clues that they are given. Take the individual clues away. Now hand out the riddle sheet.
Other Riddles Lessons Available for Download
(worksheets only)
(worksheets only)
(worksheet only)
(worksheet only)
Students start by recalling what their individual clues were to the whole group. The students can also take a look at the group clues at this point. Now, collectively they try to solve the riddle. It is important that they cannot see each other's riddle sheets because then they will end up just pointing a lot and saying things like: 'Here. Dog.' Make students to keep their riddle sheets hidden behind a book. This will force them to communicate a lot more information.
The solution to the riddle can be exceedingly difficult or very easy depending on how you approach it. As a teacher, it is highly recommended that you solve the riddle first to avoid getting yourself into hot water later. My only hint is that you solve it more easily by elimination. That is to say, you make a list of the things that can't go into a slot. If you do that, you will often be left with only one possible answer for a given slot.
Also see: Using riddles to Teach the Language of Logic and Precision by Yoda Schmidt. An ESL/EFL article.