5 Hidden Coins


Each video begins with 5 coins hidden beneath the 5 red circles. The value of the 5 coins is shown in the title of each video. Students work either independently or in pairs/groups to try and determine the correct denominations of the 5 hidden coins.



After students have worked on the calculations, show the video to reveal the values of the 5 Hidden Coins. Stand back and watch how invested your students become in discovering the correct values of the coins. 

This activity is great for building Reasoning Skills in students of all ages and grades (adults, too!).  The activity also directly correlates to CCSS Math Standard 2.MD.C.8.

Variations for Play: 
  • Pause the video after the first two coins are revealed and encourage students to consider revisions to their predicted solution if necessary.
  • Pause the video as needed to find the sum of the coins with your students for the coins that have been revealed so far.
  • Perhaps you want to scaffold the task more - you can do this by pausing the video just before the last coin is revealed and have students determine what the last coin will be based on the given value.
  • After students have played many rounds of this video version of 5 Hidden Coins, give pairs of students a small jar of coins. Player One secretly selects 5 coins from the jar and writes down the total monetary value of the 5 coins. Player One tells Player Two the values of the coins hiding in his hand. Player Two tries to determine what the 5 hidden coins are. 
  • You may want to try an easier version of the partner game described above. Have students select only 3 coins from the jar. The number of coins used for this game should be determined by the level of rigor needed for each student pair. 

Directions: Click on each video to play 5 Hidden Coins. Immediately after opening the video, PAUSE the video and allow students time to discuss and discover the values of the hidden coins. AFTER the discussion, play the video to reveal the coin denominations. 


Hidden Coins #13

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