Insect Addition Game

Learning how to add two or more numbers? This appealing, child-made board game integrates, math, science, and the visual arts—using an Earth-friendly recycled box.

• 1.

  Create your own addition game using a recycled cardboard box with a lid. Store your game pieces inside so you can play again and again. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Use your imagination to invent your own colorful game.

• 2.

  Choose a construction paper color that looks like grass, a beehive, or any place that insects might live. Cut and glue the paper to cover the outside of the box. Cover the lid separately. To make grass around the top, we fringed the edges of green paper.

• 3.

  Decorate all sides of your game box with Crayola Washable Markers and Construction Paper™ Crayons.

• 4.

  Cut construction paper shapes to make a game path from start to finish. In some of the shapes, write directions such as "Move ahead 3 spaces" or "Go back 2 spaces" to make your game exciting! Lay out the game path and glue it to the top of the box.

• 5.

  Form Crayola Model Magic® compound into random number generators by forming at least two little cubes. Press tiny dots in a contrasting color on every side. Model Magic fresh from the pack sticks to itself.

• 6.

  Create several Model Magic insects for game pieces. Make one for each player. Sculpt real or imaginary creatures—it’s up to you. Air-dry the Model Magic for about 24 hours.

• 7.

  To play, roll two number cubes. Count the dots. Add them together to find out how many spaces you can move ahead. Have fun!

Benefits

• Children design and play a board game in which they apply properties of the concepts of number while performing processes of basic computation.
• Students use life science knowledge of insects’ physical environment in the creation of a visual arts project that reinforces counting and computation skills.

Adaptations

• To vary the game, subtract the smaller number from the larger number on the cubes.
• Students share and play one another’s games.
• Encourage more skilled students to develop challenging game play strategies.
• Assessment: Did students invent unique games that include a decorated box, a game path, number cubes, and game pieces? Were students able to play their games successfully?