We’re excited to introduce you to a new math game called Spin to Win. This game is perfect for kids who are learning about probability and want to have some fun while they’re at it.
The Spin to Win game is easy to play. All you need is the spinner mat, OH spinner, and pattern blocks. You can play with two or more players. Here’s how the game works:
On a turn, a player selects one of the three spinner mats and twirls the spinner. The player then adds the block specified by the spinner to his or her set. If the player doesn’t want the block, any other opponent can claim it instead.
As soon as a player has three blue blocks, they can be traded for a yellow block. Likewise, as soon as a player has two red blocks, they can be traded for a yellow block. The first player to collect four yellow blocks is the winner!
But it’s not just about collecting blocks – the game also teaches kids important probability concepts like always, more likely, equally likely, less likely, and never. For example, how often can a player expect to receive a red block on the green spinner? Or, on the yellow spinner, how often would a player receive a blue block as opposed to a red block? By playing the game and observing the patterns of frequency, kids will start to understand these probability concepts in a fun and engaging way.
There are also lots of ways to adapt the game to make it even more challenging. For example, you can change the rules so that a player must complete a yellow block before starting on the next yellow block. Or, you can add green blocks to the spinners. Or, you can change the game so that players are trying to build the first 15 elements in a specific pattern by spinning the next block in the pattern. The possibilities are endless!
The Spin to Win game is aligned with the Common Core Mathematical Standard 7.SP, which focuses on investigating chance processes and developing, using, and evaluating probability models. It’s also aligned with the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice 4, which is all about modeling with mathematics.
So, if you want to give your kids a fun and engaging way to learn about probability, the Spin to Win game is the perfect choice. It’s a great addition to any classroom or home learning environment. We hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself how much fun math can be!