Teaching Resource
Soaring Showdown - Learn to Find the Mistake
A teacher-facilitated activity that teaches students to find the mistake in solved problems.
Each of the problems has been solved, but the solutions contain mistakes! In this teacher-facilitated activity, students find the mistakes, and then explain and correct them. Errors include:
- answering the wrong question
- making an arithmetic error
- choosing the wrong operation
- using one operation when two is needed to solve the problem
- labeling the answer incorrectly
- using the extra information in the solution.
8 problems include whole numbers and all operations.
Use during guided math, during tutoring or intervention, with small groups, or in centers.
This activity includes clear and concise teacher directions, an answer key, and conversation starters that give students what they need to have meaningful academic discussions.
Common Core Curriculum alignment
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.4
Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5
Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangul...
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.A.2
Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in...

TeachTransform creates fun math activities that get students involved in real math. We bring decades of education experience to the task, and we believe that students learn best when teachers and students are having fun.
Find more resources for these topics
MathematicsOperationsAdditionDivisionMultiplicationSubtractionProblem SolvingSolveNumber and OperationsWorksheetsTask CardsPuzzlesWord ProblemsMath Center ActivitiesPracticeSmall GroupOne-step ProblemsTwo-step ProblemsStory ProblemsFind the Mistake
Comments & Reviews
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you would like to request a change (Changes & Updates) to this resource, or report an error, simply select the corresponding tab above.
Request a change
Would you like something changed or customized on this resource? While our team makes every effort to complete change requests, we can't guarantee that every change will be completed.
You must be logged in to request a change. Sign up now!
Report an Error
You must be logged in to report an error. Sign up now!
Help
Are you having trouble downloading or viewing this resource? Please try the following steps:
- Check that you are logged in to your account
- Check that you have a paid subscription
- Check that you have installed Adobe Reader (download here)
If you are still having difficulty, please visit the Teach Starter Help Desk or contact us.
Contact us