Brain Quest – Educators

Brain Quest covers the main curricular topics in each grade including Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Technology. Provide students with the opportunity to choose a topic to answer questions about or complete a workbook activity to give them more control over their learning. Giving students agency over their learning promotes engagement, creativity, and curiosity.

Because there are Smart Card questions in multiple categories on each card, you can find something on the card for each student whether they need a stretch question or a confidence boost. Within each workbook, content increases in difficulty allowing you to support learners at their individual levels. Consider using a lower grade-level workbook for Smart Cards deck for who need extra support and higher grade-level workbooks and Smart Cards as enrichment opportunities for kids who are ready for a challenge.

Whenever you have a few spare minutes—maybe it’s too early to leave for gym or it’s 3 minutes before dismissal—use Brain Quest Smart Cards to add a little more learning to the day. Use any method (popsicle sticks, line order, etc.) to choose one student at a time to answer a question from a card deck. Guide students to use hand signals to indicate “I knew the answer too!” or “Good job!” to keep the activity focused. Invite children to line up once they’ve answered a question.

In pairs, use Brain Quest Smart Cards to practice taking turns, helping others, and being gracious partners. For larger groups, create a group trivia game. Separate the learners into groups with one spokesperson per group. Guide students to practice being thoughtful and helpful team members, as well as learning patience and maintaining a growth mindset for themselves and their teammates.

Designate a Brain Quest center or “fast finishers” option filled with Brain Quest Smart Cards. Create individual score cards on which students can record the number of questions they answered correctly and keep track of which cards they’ve already completed.

Create a trivia contest using the format of a spelling bee. Have the class stand and ask each student a question from the Brain Quest Smart Cards. When students answer incorrectly and sit, keep them engaged by challenging them to write down the answers for the questions being asked to those still playing.

Choose Brain Quest workbook pages that align with current teaching topics. Laminate the pages and provide dry erase markers. Use these pages as a write on/wipe off activity.

Share one question from the Brain Quest Smart Cards at the same time each day, like when students enter the classroom in the morning or after lunch. To extend this to a writing activity, display the question and have students answer individually along with an explanation of their thinking.

For those times when the school bus is late or you arrive at the museum an hour before it opens, always pack Smart Cards in your field trip backpack. Keep kids safe and focused with an impromptu game!