Veteran math teacher Bill Mousel, with over 30 years of experience, and second-year teacher Preston Saycocie have teamed up to make math exciting for their students this school year. The duo kicked off the year with immersive, game-based learning experiences, including “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “The Search for Sunken Treasure,” designed to engage students in fun and challenging ways.
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a four-compartment lock box challenge,” explained Mousel. “Students work in groups to solve puzzles and unlock compartments in a race to escape the game. Only one group leaves victorious!”
Saycocie’s “Search for Sunken Treasure” brings students through a series of math puzzles focused on adding and subtracting integers, with the ultimate reward of opening treasure-filled boxes. “There’s satisfaction in figuring out a code and even more joy when students understand the content and solve the puzzle,” said Saycocie.
These creative approaches are helping set the tone for an engaging school year. “We want students to know their math experience will be different this year,” said Mousel. “There’s fun and adventure in the challenges of math.”
Both teachers share a commitment to creating an immersive learning environment. “Most students are excited and bought into the experience,” said Saycocie. “We make it as immersive as possible, from fog-filled classrooms to costumes and ambient noise.”
Reflecting on their partnership, Mousel said, “I appreciate working with someone like Preston who is creatively like-minded and willing to go the extra mile for students. He brings great ideas and cares deeply about delivering a quality experience.”
Saycocie added, “Having Bill as my mentor has been a blessing. He’s helped me explore my creative side while keeping me grounded. Together, we’ve committed to making math fun for our students.”
The dynamic team plans to continue gamifying lessons, ensuring students can look forward to many more exciting math adventures throughout the year.
