Grade Level 1,2 or 3
Subject:
* Mathematics/Arithmetic
* Mathematics/Process Skills
Overview: Students will:
1. use problem solving strategies such as guess and check
and visulization to play the game.
2.use mental mathematics to decide on the placement of pattern blocks.
3. look for patterns
Materials;
*pattern blocks
*paper on which to keep score
*calculator
Procedure:
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 assinged point for each color (e.g) green =1, blue =2, red=3, yellow =6).
3. The game begins with one yellow hexagon starting block 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(s)is completely touching one side
of the block(s) on the playing surface. The scoring for each play is the sum of the values of the blocks placed and those
that it touched 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 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 oints (3+1+6). Player A placs 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 themost 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 advantge by going first?
5.Is ther a maximum score a player can earn?
6. If the pieces were assigned different values, how would that affect their play?
