Dominoes are divided into two sections. Students can choose a domino and add the pips on the two sides to get a total. They can also subtract the smaller numbered side from the larger. A double-nine set of dominoes will offer practice in all 100 basic computations of addition and single digit subtraction. A double-12 set will offer practice with sums to 24 and subtraction combinations up to 12 as minuend.
Many traditional domino games require that score be kept with paper and pencil. Points are added during each turn and games often continue until scores of 100 or even 500 are attained. This addition task will help students practice addition of larger numbers and regrouping. Some games also present the possibility of losing points and players' scores can drop below zero. These games offer chances to practice subtraction with regrouping and even operations with positive and negative integers.
In the game Muggins, points are generally scored by totaling the pips on dominoes at the ends of lines. If the total is divisible by five, the score is valid and written down. Players need to understand that numbers divisible by five will end with a zero or a five. Expand on this idea by modifying the scoring system to include numbers divisible by three, six, nine or any other number you choose. Players will need to apply the correct divisibility rule to determine if a given point value is a valid score.
Dominoes are ideal for practicing concepts related to fractions. They are already divided into two sections that can be used as denominator and numerator. Sort dominoes by whether the fraction formed is in its simplest term or needs to be reduced. Match dominoes with equivalent fractions to score points. Put groups of dominoes in order from the smallest to the largest fractional value. Use the numbers to create improper fractions and then convert the improper fraction to a mixed number.