TITLE: BLOCK IT
AUTHOR: Fay Zenigami, Leeward District Office,
Waipahu, HI
OVERVIEW: Students in primary grades need varied activities
to help them learn basic facts and about operations.
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: Grades 1-3/Mathematics
PURPOSE: This problem solving game uses pattern blocks to
reinforce computational skills in a challenging format
rather than the drudgery of drill.
OBJECTIVE(s): Students will
1. use problem solving strategies such as guess and check
and visualization to play the game.
2. use mental mathematics to decide on the placement of
pattern blocks.
3. look for patterns.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
Pattern blocks
Paper on which to keep score
Calculator
ACTIVITIES:
1. Two players are needed to play BLOCK IT. Each receives
three each of the following pattern blocks: green
triangle, blue rhombus, red trapezoid, yellow hexagon.
2. Players agree on assigned points for each color (e.g.
green=1, blue=2, red=3, yellow=6).
3. The game begins with one yellow hexagon starting block
placed on the playing surface. This piece does not
belong to either player.
4. The first player must place one of her/his blocks such
that one side of the block is completely touching on
one side of the block(s) on the playing surface. The
scoring for each play is the sum of the values of the
block placed and those that it touches on a side. Play
continues until both players use all of their pieces.
For example, Player A selects a green triangle to play,
therefore the green triangle (1 point) touches the
yellow hexagon (6 points) so 7 points (1+6) are scored.
Player B then places a red trapezoid (3 points) such
that it touches one full side of the green triangle (1
point) and one full side of the yellow hexagon (6
points); Player B scores 10 points (3+1+6). Player A
places a blue rhombus (2 points) that touches one full
side of the green triangle (1 point) and one full side
of the yellow hexagon (6 points) which scores another 9
points (2+1+6) giving Player A a total now of 16
points. Player B continues play in this manner.
5. Students may use a calculator to help them keep score.
6. The player with the most total points after all pieces
have been used is the winner.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER
1. Have students share their scores and strategies used.
2. What was the most points a player scored in one play in
your game? the least?
3. Did students use the blocks with higher point values
first or last?
4. Does Player A have an advantage by going first?
5. Is there a maximum score a player can earn?
6. If the pieces were assigned different values, how would
that affect their play?
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org