MATH: Rockin-Doodle-Dominoes (Sorting by Color Attribute)

Time Required: Two 45-minute sessions
Skill Level: Beginner
Recommended Grades: K to 2nd

In this activity, students will work in pairs to identify colors and write their names in an activity where they will design their own set of color-dominoes using rocks. The associated games played may be scaffolded to the students' grade or ability level, making it a great problem-solving challenge for students in grades K-2.

Note: Any links outside of the3doodler.com are optional resources. We can’t ensure their upkeep or accuracy.

Lesson Plan

Instructions

Step 1 - PREPARATION

Take paired students out on a nature walk to collect 7-10 somewhat flat 1-2" stones.

*Alternative: Students collect rocks near their homes and bring back to school.

Step 2

Whole Group: Review colors, i.e., red, yellow, white, blue, orange, aqua and green. Instruct students to recognize and identify objects around the room that are each color.

Step 3

Share the goal: Take out a set of dominoes. Remind students how to play, matching numbers end to end. Note that during this session, students will be making their own color dominoes, using the stones they previously collected and a 3Doodler.

Step 4

Display the colors of 3Doodler plastic. Instruct students to count up the different color strands of 3Doodler Eco plastic they have.

*Omit the use of the grey Eco-plastics.

Step 5

State the challenge: Students will work with a partner to create a set of 7 domino-stones with a different color doodled on each side. Students must include all of the following colors: green, aqua, orange, red, yellow, white and blue. They may use each color on the ends of 2 stones. Can they create a circle of connecting colors when they are finished as seen below?

Step 6

Project your tablet or computer screen for students to view the Rockin-Doodle-Domino Color Planner. Demonstrate how to plan out a circle of colors that match end to end. Cross out colors in the color bank as they are used.

*This step may be skipped for students in grade 2. Increase difficulty by extending the number of stones.

Step 7

Circle to assist and assess as students work on Rockin-Doodle-Domino Color Planner.

Step 8

Model how to doodle each end of a stone using a wrapping technique with the 3Doodler.
Demonstrate how to eject a color or use it up on the end of a matching stone.

Step 9

Hand out the 3Doodlers and required plastic strands. Circle to assist and asses.

Step 10

Allow students time to configure their dominoes into matching color circles. Combine groups to increase the size of color-domino circles.

Wrap Up

Students will share their Rockin-Doodle-Dominoes with the whole group. The teacher will share the students' Rockin-Doodle-Dominoes on Twitter. @3Doodler #3DoodlerEDU

Assessment

The teacher will assess students’ ability to recognize colors and problem-solve from their participation and results.

Possible Extensions

Students will doodle a set of stones with a color pattern on each end, e.g., red, yellow, blue, red, yellow blue...etc. Students will match color patterns end to end. Students will use combined color-dominoes to identify primary and secondary colors as equations. Example: a red stone + a blue stone = purple.

Vocabulary

  • attribute - a quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something.

  • collaboration - to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.

  • color - the quality of an object or substance with respect to light reflected by the object, usually determined visually by measurement of hue, saturation, and brightness of the reflected light; saturation or chroma; hue.

  • problem-solving - the process or act of finding a solution to a problem.

  • reading - the form or version of a given passage in a particular text.

  • sorting - a group set up on the basis of any characteristic in common.

  • writing - any written or printed paper, as a document or deed.

Educational Standards

Common Core
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.G.A.1

Distinguish between defining attributes versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size).

In This Lesson

Students will design a set of color dominoes using stones and then sort them according to a non-defining attribute, i.e., color.

CS Teachers
1A-A-3-5

Decompose (break down) a larger problem into smaller sub-problems with teacher guidance or independently.

In This Lesson

Students will break down the process of recognizing and identifying colors in a hands-on design project, doodling a 7-piece set of color dominoes and matching them in a circle by color, end to end.

ISTE
1C

Use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

In This Lesson

Students will use the 3Doodler to create a doodled set of color-dominoes.

ISTE
6B

Create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

In This Lesson

Students will use a 3Doodler to create a set of color-dominoes.

ISTE
7A

Use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.

In This Lesson

Students will seek feedback from peers throughout all phases of this activity.

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