Strike it Out

Strike it Out poster

Watch the video below which shows two people playing the first few turns of a game.

What do you notice?
What do you want to ask?

If you can't access YouTube, here is a direct link to the video.

Watch the video a second time.

Can you work out how to play the game?  
What do you think the rules might be? 
How might someone win the game?

If you are unable to view the video, you could click through this powerpoint presentation, which also demonstrates how to play. Alternatively, the rules of the game are hidden below.

It's your turn!
Try playing the game against someone else a few times to get a feel for it.
Do you have any good ways of winning?

Now it's time to work together with a partner, rather than against them.
Try to create a string of calculations that uses as many numbers as possible on the 0-20 number line.
Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 0-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?

Once you've had a good think about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.
Can you rearrange it into its original order?

If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes three copies of each statement.)

What about the 1-20 number line? Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 1-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?

Again, once you have thought about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.
Can you rearrange it into its original order?

If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes two copies of each statement.)