Kids track how many addition steps it takes to transform numbers into palindromes. After creating a 10-row, 10-column chart; kids start with "1" and number the squares from left to right until they reach the last row, which contains numbers 91 to 100. Prior to starting, kids choose one color to represent default palindromes (1 through 9, 11, 22, 33, 44 and so on) and color in those squares. Kids then choose one color each to represent palindromes that arise from addition requiring two steps, three steps, four steps and so on.
For non-default palindromes, kids reverse their digits and add the reversed number to the original number. For instance, for 67, kids add 76 to 67 and get 143. From there, kids add 341 to 143 and get 484. Therefore, it took two addition steps to turn 67 into a palindromic number. Kids shade in squares with the appropriate colors as they progress on the chart.
Players battle the clock to unscramble words in "Palindromes," found at 8-Bit Rocket. Each level contains up to six words, and the game provides clue definitions for the palindromes in question. Kids click any two-letter tiles to swap positions and must complete a level in 30 seconds to advance in the game. In sequel game "Palindromes Plus," kids tackle 10 palindromes per level and must complete levels in 50 seconds.
Kids write down as many palindromic words and numbers as possible within a predetermined time limit. If necessary, kids may use dictionaries. Kids may use proper names, either first names or a first-name-last-name combination, such as "Stanley Yelnats" from Louis Sachar's award-winning novel "Holes." To increase the challenge, have kids write as many palindromic phrases as possible. The phrases may be well-known palindromes such as "A man, a plan, a canal, Panama" or "Madam, I'm Adam," or ones that kids come up with on their own. As an extension activity, kids incorporate their list of palindromes into a story. The story should contain both palindromes and non-palindromic words.
Words and numbers collide in a palindromic version of bingo. A leader prints out free palindrome bingo cards from an online source or makes as many bingo cards as the number of kids. Each card should contain a variety of palindromic words and numbers. After distributing bingo cards to each kid, the leader calls out random words and numbers from a call list. Players mark off the word or number they have it on their card. The first kid to mark off five words or numbers in a diagonal, horizontal or vertical direction wins.
Kids choose any word they like and find out if it's a palindrome in "Palindrome Tester," found at ThinkQuest. Using the provided space, kids type in a word and click "Reverse." The game then informs kids whether or not the word they entered is a palindrome.