This vicious New York Times style connections puzzle will likely require a student's extensive use of the hints feature, as there are numerous red herrings/overlap categories. My usual model is to present the puzzle (first) section in-class with a silent focus timer, and then switch to partnered mode. Once students have struggled for at least 8-10 minutes, I open up to student-paced so that students can see all the categories and their associated hints with additional information about the reasoning.
It's important to remind students that the struggle to MAKE the connections is what matters, even if they don't succeed on the puzzle itself.
https://connections.swellgarfo.com/game/-O_2Nd578xPU1BGZv1KG
If the embed above doesn't work, you can click here to play the game. This is also where the hints are hidden! There are so many hints. Take your time through them. I will also pair the hints with the appropriate categories later, in case you want to make sure you understand everything.
Once you have played it, upload your screenshot including your attempts (I want to know attempts so I can know if my puzzles are too hard, and/or what concepts you're struggling with.)
WORDS CONTAINING 'LONG'
LONGEVITY, LONGITUDE, LONGLEAF PINE, PROLONGED
This is a category type from original connections game, where you are using word part rather than word meaning. Here, I chose them to help your metacognition. Think about where you could have also placed these words, then view the hint to see if your reasoning lines up with mine.
THESE SURVIVORSHIP CURVES DEFINE THIS SELECTION TYPE, AND IT'S LARGELY BECAUSE OF PARENTAL CARE
K-SELECTED, PARENTAL CARE, TYPE I, TYPE II
This question, when answered, will be marked red if you indicate you need to practice. Do not hesitate to indicate a need for practice! This does not affect your grade: It gives you a place to reference when you are reviewing this assignment to decide any homework you should complete.
Make sure you view the hints!
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE A SPECIES' ABILITY TO ESTABLISH ITSELF IN SUCCESSION
ESTABLISHED SPECIES, SOIL QUALITY, SPATIAL COMPLEXITY, SUNLIGHT
This question, when answered, will be marked red if you indicate you need to practice. Do not hesitate to indicate a need for practice! This does not affect your grade: It gives you a place to reference when you are reviewing this assignment to decide any homework you should complete.
Make sure you view the hints; they include more information than the originals.
3 OF THESE FACTORS DETERMINE A BIOME'S BIODIVERSITY
BIODIVERSITY, LATITUDE, PRECIPITATION, TEMPERATURE
Overall, this puzzle was
Overall, this explanatory document and its hints were
I want to do Connection Puzzles again
Any other comments?