Pattern & Algebra Games

Featured Game: Magic Pot Game

Magic Pot Game After reading and discussing Two of Everything, model the Magic Pot Game that students will play in pairs:

Materials (per pair of students):

  • Magic Pot template in sheet protector
  • dry-erase pen and eraser
  • index cards with Magic Pot rules
  • 20-30 linking cubes in two colors
  • magic pot or Magic Pot mat

Directions:

  • Partner A chooses one of the Magic Pot rules.
  • Partner B places a couple of linking cubes (all the same color) in the magic pot or on the magic pot mat and records that number under IN on the Magic Pot Template.
  • Partner A adds linking cubes (of the second color) to those cubes according to the Magic Pot Rule.
  • Partner B records the total number of cubes (sum of both colors) in the OUT column on the Magic Pot Template.
  • Partner B may guess the rule by writing the rule on the Magic Pot Template. He/she must then check the rule by placing a different amount of cubes in the magic pot. He/she should record this number under IN on the Magic Pot Template. He/she should also record the OUT number that follows the rule.
  • Partner A adds linking cubes (of the second color) to those cubes according to the Magic Pot Rule.
  • If Partner B's rule and OUT number were correct, Partner B scores 5 points for correctly guessing after the first try.
  • If Partner B's rule is NOT correct, Partner B corrects the data in the IN/OUT table and tries a different IN number.
  • Partners score 1 less point for each incorrect guess.
  • When Partner B correctly guesses the rule and proves it by writing a different IN/OUT combination that works with the rule, Partner B scores points and the partners switch positions.
  • Winner has the most points after 3-5 rounds or when the allotted time is up.

Algebra Games

These games support student development of the concept of functions through the use of an input/output table to discover the function rule.