Games and Puzzles

The 4 Dom Puzzle

(Adapted from nrichmaths.org)

Materials:

Make a paper copy of each of the four dominos below or use the virtual versions found here.

Instructions:

Arrange the four dominoes to make a “square window” that has the same number of dots on each side.

An image of four dominos.

Complete the Squares Puzzle

(adapted from nrichmaths.org)

Materials:

A template of the puzzles below can be found here. If you don’t have access to a printer, make your own squared paper and recreate the puzzles on this page.

Question:

I started drawing 6 squares. Can you finish the squares for me?

The Equations Game

(adapted from mathies.ca)

A graphic representation of the equation 3+3 = 4+2

Materials:

24 small objects (e.g. buttons, stones, coins, popcorn kernels),
2 dice or use virtual dice, paper and pencil

Rules:

1. 2 players take turns rolling two dice. The numbers that show up are used to make an addition question. Each player writes their question on their paper.
For example: If player 1rolls a 5 and 3, they would write 5+3=

2. After both players have written their addition question, they take turns rolling the dice again. After each roll, decide whether the total on the two dice is equal to the addition statement written on their page.

For example: If Player 1 has recorded 5+3= and then rolls 1 and 4, the sum of 1 and 4 is not equal to 5+3. However if Player 1 rolls 4 and 4, the sum of 4 and 4 is equal to 5+3.

3. When the dice sum matches the question the player gets a point.
If there is a disagreement the player uses objects to prove that the equation is correct.
(For example: A group of 5 buttons plus a group of 3 buttons is equal to a group of 4 buttons plus a group of 4 buttons.)

The first player to 5 points wins.

Adaptations:

Try using subtraction instead of addition or allow the players to use either operation.