Task Instructions

• Draw 10 circles in the same placement as bowling pins and write the numbers 1–10 in the circles as shown on the handout that you can print.
• Roll a die three times and record the digits. Work with your partner to write number sentences (using only those three digits) that equal as many of the numbers 1 through 10 as possible.
• Record each number sentence and cross out the corresponding answer (that is, the bowling pin).
• Can you eliminate each of the ten numbers for a strike? If not, roll the die three more times and use those new digits to produce number sentences. Can you get a spare?

Variation

Each player has their own set of 10 bowling pins. Each player rolls the die three times and records their numbers. Both players write number sentences to see who can knock down the most pins.

Materials

• One die
• Paper and pencil
• Handout

Reference

From Helping with Math at Home: More Ideas for Parents. 2006. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann