Jossey-Bass Teacher - Math Wise Phần 5 pps

Copyright

© 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Decimal Squares

162 Computation Connections

Chapter 44

Square Scores

Grades 2–8

Total group activity

× Cooperative activity

Independent activity

Concrete/manipulative activity

× Visual/pictorial activity

× Abstract procedure

Why Do It:

Students will practice with addition, subtraction, multiplica￾tion, or division facts, using logical-thinking strategies in a

game setting.

You Will Need:

Square Score Grids (provided at the end of this activity) are

required. Usually one per pair of students is enough to start

with. Once they are familiar with the activity, players might

also devise grids for each other (see Extensions). Pencils and

pens of different colors are also needed.

How To Do It:

Square Scores is usually played by two students on one grid.

The grid contains 5 rows and 7 columns of dots. In the

middle of a group of four adjacent dots is a math problem.

Each student uses a pencil or pen of a different color, and at

her or his turn draws a vertical or horizontal line between any

two adjacent dots. Play continues in this manner until a line

is drawn that closes a square. The student who draws that

line must attempt to answer the problem contained within

163

that box. If the problem is answered correctly, that student is allowed

to claim the square and to shade or mark it. If the student gives an

incorrect answer, the square is marked with an X and no credit is

allowed. (Students might check their answers with a calculator or an

answer sheet.) When all squares are closed, the students count the boxes

claimed to see how many facts they knew.

Example:

The players pictured below are practicing their multiplication facts for

6s, while also attempting to capture as many squares as possible. Thus

far Juanita has captured and marked the three squares marked \\\\, and

Jose has claimed the two facts marked ////.

Extensions:

1. If students need practice with a certain operation, such as sub￾traction, then the grid should utilize only those types of problems.

However, if mixed practice is desirable, a different grid might

include a combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or

division or even fractions or decimals.

164 Computation Connections

2. Square Scores also works well as a team game when it is played on

the overhead projector. In such a setting, the team members are

allowed a strategy conference (for two minutes), and then the team

leader draws the line for that turn. Play continues in this manner

until all squares on the overhead transparency are surrounded and

marked. The winning team is the one that has captured the most

squares.

3. Players can easily devise their own grids by writing equations

designated for practice on blank grids (see model provided) or

by using one-inch or larger graph paper. (Note: The grid designer

should also create an answer key.) The designed grid can be

photocopied and tried by several other players.

4. Advanced levels of the game might include having three, four, or

more players competing on the same grid, and could include bonus

squares (enclosing problems more difficult than those typical for

the grade or age level.

Square Scores 165