Recognise odd and even numbers
Morra
Timeframe: 5-10mins
Audience: Students play in pairs
Materials: Whiteboard, marker, eraser, anchor chart showing odd and even numbers
Summary: One player is designated as ‘odd’ and the other player is ‘even’. Players count, “1, 2, 3, GO!” Each player puts out 0 to 5 fingers on ‘go’. If the sum is odd, the odd player gets one point. If the sum is even, the even player gets one point. Record the equations and answers on a whiteboard as you go. Play until one player gets 10 points.
Guiding questions: Look at your equations and answers. Can you work out if there are any rules about adding odd and even numbers? What happens when you add two even numbers? Is the answer odd or even? Is this consistent? *You can extend this task by allowing students to put out fingers on both hands and add them up.
Source: Morra is a game from ancient times played by Greek and Roman children.