Krypto Math Game

Math Concepts: Number Sense/Mental Math

Suggested Grades: 3-5

Number of Players: Whole Group

Materials: Overhead Number Cars (you can photo copy regular playing cards on to overhead sheets) Or you can write the numbers on the board.

Directions: Randomly place four cards in a row on the overhead (or board). Then separately place a fifth card above the row. This fifth card is the “Target Number.” That means that is the number that students have to get using the four other cards. Students use mental math to manipulate the four numbers to form equations which result in the Target Number. Each number can only be used once. The first student to call out “Krypto” and explains his or her answer to the class wins. If no solution is found, restart the game using new numbers.

Q & A:

Q: Do the numbers need to be used in a continuous equation, using the order of operations, or can separate, smaller equations be used?

A: Either strategy may be used, depending upon students’ proficiency level.

Q: Do all number cards. 1-12 need to be used?

A: Beginners will find it easier to use only cards 1-10. Higher numbers may be added (11-25) to make the game more challenging.

Q: Can you keep score?

A: You may keep score, if desired, by awarding points to each round winner and tallying points after 10 rounds.