Social Studies - 2nd Grade
Standard 2 Objective 1
Students will use a variety of problem solving and math skills while playing the "What's My Rule" game.
Additional Resources
Navigating Through Algebra (NCTM Publication)
In the game “What’s My Rule?” if the operation rules involve subtraction, a starting number should be selected, somewhat above the operation rule unless you are interested in exploring negative numbers.
Questioning should continue throughout activity encouraging students to consider all possible outcomes for a given situation. For instance, “What might the answer be if the starting number is 5 and there is only one spin? What about two spins?” Conversely, you could give the starting number and answers and have children determine the rule.
Intended Learning Outcomes
5. Understand and use basic concepts and skills.
Process Skills
Symbolization, observation, problem solving
Invitation to Learn
Read Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon. Ask: “What was one of Harvey’s
family rules?”
Instructional Procedures
Possible Extensions/Adaptations
As a whole group activity, show the students a spinner with the rules you will
use. Hide spinner and spin twice. Have students give three starting numbers
between 6 and 10. Do both operations and give the answers. Children must figure
out both rules. This encourages students to consider all possibilities in an
organized manner and that there might be more than one combination that works.
Family Connections
Parents talk about rules they had in their families and schools when they were
growing up. Compare and contrast with rules today.
As children are working in partners, circulate and ask questions about strategies used to figure out operational rules.