New Math Game: "Oh No! 99!"

Today we played a new Math game called "Oh No! 99!" in which students tried to push their opponents over 99 by adding and subtracting playing cards. Here's the rules of the game so that you can play it at home:

Aces = add 1
Jacks = subtract 10
Kings = zero
Queens = wild (add any number 0-10)
all other cards = add the number on the card

Each player is dealt 4 cards and the remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table. Players takes turns laying down cards, adding or subtracting the value of the cards until someone goes over 99. Every time a player plays down a card they must draw a new card from the pile (you must have 4 cards in your hand at all times).

*BONUS: players can add Jokers to the deck and choose their own rule for when the card is drawn. For example, students may choose to make Jokers multiple the last card on the pile by 5, 2, etc.

This activity helps students build quick mental calculation skills and practice break numbers down into several pieces for quick calculations. Practice at home with a couple quick games each night!

Welcome to RoboMath!

Welcome to my new blog for Middle School math students - RoboMath! On this page students and parents can find information about my class, contact me with questions or comments, see examples of student work, and be tackle challenging problems. Anyone can visit this page and leave comments under each post. I also encourage students to post their own thoughts about the class or math that they have observed in their everyday lives. I look forward to meeting many new students this year as well as seeing some familiar faces return for 8th grade!