A multi-team head-to-head competition to find the right tire!

Age group: K-8

Number of students recommended: 25

Subjects/skills learned: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Algebra, etc.

Object of the game: The team that has all members seated on tires first wins.

Setup: On each of the tires, use chalk to write a number that corresponds to the skill level required (the numbers you write will be the answers to the questions you call out). Divide the class into two teams, and have each team line up. Both lines should start on the same side of the playground, one on either side of you, the teacher.

Game Play: The teacher will call out a math equation whose answer corresponds to one of the numbers written on a tire (for example, if the teacher has written 16 on a tire, he/she could call out 8+8 or 4×4 or 30-14, etc). The first student from each line/team competes head-to-head to figure out the answer to the math problem, and locate the tire with the corresponding correct answer written on it (teammates may help!). When the tire has been located, the student sits atop that tire. The student who finds the answer to the equation first wins the round and remains seated atop the tire for the duration of the game. The other student will go to the back of their team’s line, and they can play again. The teacher will call out a new math equation for the next two students.

Game Conclusion: The team with all their team members seated on tires first wins!

Examples: The number 14 is written on a tire. The teacher calls out 2×7, and one student from each team races to find the tire with the 14 on it!

Tips and Variations:

• Divide into 3 or 4 teams instead of 2.
• Do not allow teammates to help the competing member find the correct tire.
• Combine functions together, such as addition and multiplication in one question.
• For pre-schoolers or kindergarteners, instead of teaching math functions, ask students to look for the number (the teacher calls out the number 5 and the students must recognize the number on a tire).