Domino is a game in which players place dominoes on a table and then attempt to build a line of dominoes across the table by playing their pieces on top of each other. The first player to place all of their tiles wins the game. In addition to being fun to play, domino also provides an excellent tool for teaching math concepts and skills.
Dominoes are a good choice for teaching the basics of addition. Students can practice creating addition equations by using the dots on a domino as a visual aid. First graders, for example, can count the number of dots on each end of a domino to determine how many total dots it has, then use the domino as an example to create an addition equation. For example, if a domino has four dots on one side and two on the other, students can name an addition equation such as 4 + 2 = 6.
In addition to being used in traditional block games, dominoes are sometimes played in scoring games that determine points by counting the pips (spots on a domino) in the losing player’s hands. These types of games, such as bergen and muggins, are an excellent way to help children develop their decimal skills.
Hevesh takes a long time planning her domino art, making test versions of each section to make sure they work properly. She then lays out her creations, placing the larger 3-D sections first, followed by flat arrangements and finally lines of dominoes that connect all the sections together.
Once all the dominoes are in place, Hevesh puts on the final touches. She might paint or draw a picture on the piece, or she might add an interesting border. She might even add a handle so that people can pick it up and take it home.
For a fun challenge, students can create an addition domino puzzle to reinforce the commutative property of addition. They can also practice writing addition equations with this activity. Students can create an addition problem by putting the number of dots on each end of
A common type of domino set is made of polymer, or plastic, with contrasting black or white pips. However, sets have also been produced from other materials such as bone or ivory; dark hardwoods including ebony and mahogany; metals including brass and pewter; ceramic clay; and even frosted glass. These sets tend to be more expensive, but they may offer a more unique look and feel than a typical polymer set. They can also be more durable and less likely to break than their plastic counterparts.
