Owl Solve That!
Owl Solve That!
2-4 players • 30 min • 10 & up
Focus: Equations
Team up with the detectives from the Owl Solve That! Agency to find the answers. Players earn one point for each number card they use. Utilizing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, each player creates equations that match a solution card in their hand. To win, be the first player to reach 25 points on your score card.
Skills: Operations, Problem Solving
Game Includes
Game Includes
- 1 Gameboard
- 64 Number Cards
- 40 Solution Cards
- 4 Owl Pawns
- 4 Scorecards
- 4 Score Counters
- 1 Rules Booklet
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How to Play
Educational Standards
Core Standard*: Math
- Math
- Write and interpret numerical expressions: Grade Level 5th
- Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths: Grade Level 5th
- Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions: Grade Level 6th
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- Number and Operations in Base Ten
- Expressions and Equations
Skills
Explore
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players explore arranging numbers in combination with different operations to create options for potential successful equations.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to help envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations; since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! is a great game for exploring math operations and flexible thinking as children combine numbers in different ways to create winning equations. Encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to help envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations; since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Determine
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to decide which operations and numbers to use in order to make equations that result in the number card they chose.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to help envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations; since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! is a great game for exploring math operations and flexible thinking as children combine numbers in different ways to create winning equations. Encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to help envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations; since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Compare
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players compare equations that they develop in order to find one that uses the most number cards.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Help children to compare results of combining different numbers with different operations. Players may have a tendency to use addition and subtraction as these are easier. Play a few hands at the beginning with one set of numbers and compare various equations results. Try starting with larger numbers instead of smaller ones, and encourage using all four operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! helps children learn the effects of different operations and number combinations as they compare alternative approaches to creating successful equations. After a player wins a round, have them show what they did to solve the problem. Watching how others think about solving for the number allows them to compare their own strategies to others'.
Remember
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to know the four primary operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Ask children to review their thinking. Players may have their addition, subtraction, multiplication or division facts wrong. Review presents and opportunity to update memory for math facts.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! helps children learn the effects of different operations and number combinations as they compare alternative approaches to creating successful equations. If students are having trouble with math facts, use a math rubric for multiplication and division to use as a visual reminder.
Predict
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players will think about what will happen if they combine numbers and operations in different ways.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
While Owl Solve That! is more of a speed game than a strategy game, there is a little prediction involved as players try to quickly select number cards and add operations in order to make a successful equation, or to pick one of their solution cards they predict can be used to create a successful solution.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! is good for developing quick thinking skills, which include predicting which cards are most likely to result in a successful equation. Specifically, prediction involved as players try to quickly select number cards and add operations in order to make a successful equation, or to pick one of their solution cards they predict can be used to create a successful solution.
Plan
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
As players create different equations in an attempt to equal a number card, they are planning out different sequences of cards and operations.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Children plan out the order of cards and operations as they explore and compare different options. Therefore, like the other skills being used, it would be helpful to encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations; since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Children plan out the order of cards and operations as they explore and compare different options. Therefore, like the other skills being used, it would be helpful to encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to envision different equations. Alternatively, make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations, since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students.
Experiment
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players will try different mathematic approaches before settling on an equation that results in their targeted number card.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Playing Owl Solve That! is a great way to experiment with different ways to solve the same problem. Children plan out the order of cards and operations as they explore and compare different options. Therefore, like the other skills being used, it would be helpful to encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to envision different equations.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Playing Owl Solve That! is a great way to experiment with different ways to solve the same problem. This builds flexible thinking, adaptability and decision-making skills, along with math operation skills. Children plan out the order of cards and operations as they explore and compare different options. Therefore, like the other skills being used, it would be helpful to encourage children to physically rearrange the cards on the number line in order to envision different equations.
Practice
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Every round of Owl Solve That! involves practicing math operation knowledge and skills.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Make sure all players have paper and pencil in order to write out different equations, since doing rapid, creative mental math may be challenging for all but the most skilled math students. Encourage children to share and discuss their work which will help build communication skills and expand the learning of all the players. If students are having trouble with math facts, use a math rubric for multiplication and division to use as a visual reminder. The game enables players to practice using basic math facts.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
When reviewing what various players did, note the areas that players are not using. For instance, some players may only choose a low number outcome, indicating they may be avoiding doing higher level operations or combinations of operations. If this is the case, playing in teams may be helpful. This will enable the players who need practice to have support and not give up. If students are having trouble with math facts, use a math rubric for multiplication and division to use as a visual reminder. The game enables players to practice using basic math facts.
Solve
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
As players experiment with different number cards and operations, they are learning what equations are getting closer to solving the math problem. They modify and adapt their approach until they ultimately are able to create a successful equation.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Encourage children to remain flexible and try something new if they get stuck. Also, play the game and discuss. Then, play again with the child trying a different strategy such as making shorter equations more quickly. Discuss again and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! involves if/then reasoning in both deciding whether to make longer equations and determining which cards and operations to use in making an equation. Encourage children to remain flexible and try something new if they get stuck. Also, play the game and discuss. Then, play again with the child trying a different strategy such as making shorter equations more quickly. Discuss again and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Review
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players review together at the end of each round when they share their equations to determine if they work successfully.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
No special adult support required. Verbally sharing and discussing results helps children build communication skills and learn from the approaches and strategies of others.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
No special adult support required. Verbally sharing and discussing results helps children build communication skills and learn from the approaches and strategies of others.
Demonstrate
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Simultaneously with reviewing, players are demonstrating whether their equation successfully resulted in the number on their Number Card.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
No special adult support required. Verbally sharing and discussing results helps children build communication skills and learn from the approaches and strategies of others.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
No special adult support required. Verbally sharing and discussing results helps children build communication skills and learn from the approaches and strategies of others.
Create
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players create math equations in an effort to discover one that will result in the number on their Number Card.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Encourage children to remain flexible and try something new if they get stuck. Also, play the game and discuss. Then, play again with the child trying a different strategy such as making shorter equations more quickly. Discuss again and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Owl Solve That! involves experimenting with and ultimately determining which cards and operations to use to create a successful equation. Encourage children to remain flexible and try something new if they get stuck. Also, play the game and discuss. Then, play again with the child trying a different strategy such as making shorter equations more quickly. Discuss again and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Special Needs
Cognitive
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
The instructions contain suggestions for simplifying the game for younger children. These simplifications are also beneficial for children with cognitive delays.
Communication
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Encourage players to explain their solution in order to stimulate communication.
To practice written communication, encourage children to write out their different winning equations.
Sensorimotor
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Children who are tactile learners or need practice with sensorimotor skills can benefit with the use of pen and paper, calculator, abacus, or other math manipulators.
Social Emotional/Behavioral
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Not recommended for children who find math frustrating.
Vision
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
For visually challenged players, use large tactile materials, such as an abacus, cuisinaire rods or other tactile materials to solve problems.
Hearing
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Players with hearing limitations can play Owl Solve That! without any modifications.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Autism
Autism Strengths & Interests
Short Summary of Strengths & Interests
- Math operations
- Flexible thinking
- Quick thinking
Is good at matching visual items
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for sensory details, including visual, touch, taste and smell
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for words, phrases and dialouge
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for pictures, numbers and patterns
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players need a quick memory for the results of different operations, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Pencil and paper can be used, but players need to remember basic operation facts.
Likes to put things in order or a sequence
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players who like manipulating numbers in different ways and sequences will like Owl Solve This!
Learns through visualizing or "replaying" actions in their mind
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Many children with autism who have skills in math, can visually solve problems or see patterns of numbers that lead to a solution.
Likes activities with rules, such as math and phonics
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
This game is all about math operations and the rules governing solving equations.
Is very concrete and literal
Is This Game Appropriate? No
Description
Although the child with autism may use concrete visualization to solve a problem, the game is abstract in nature.
Learns in small "chunks" (for example, phone numbers are 3 chunks of number xxx-xxx-xxxx that are combined together)
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Algebra, or solving equations, involves solving problems in chunks. Players who can reason and envision different "chunks" of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are at an advantage.
Is good at nonverbal reasoning and logic
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players need to use reasoning to think about which math operations will result in larger or smaller outcomes, thus leading to thinking about which operation is most likely to lead to the desired final solution.
Likes spatial problem solving
This game is not appropriate
Can read well with good vocabulary, though may not fully comprehend content
This game is not appropriate
Likes to use and has good fine motor skill
This game is not appropriate
Likes established routines or set ways of doing things
This game is not appropriate
Likes manipulating, constructing or building things
This game is not appropriate
Likes to use and has good musical abilities
This game is not appropriate
Likes to use and has good drawing skills
This game is not appropriate
Autism Special Considerations
Appears to ignore other's communication and/or has difficulty giving eye contact to a communication partner
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players don't need to give eye contact to other players; rather, they need to concentrate on solving their math problem.
Has difficulty understanding complex verbal directions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
The directions are not complex, but the process of determining which math operations to apply can be a complex task.
Uses vocabulary inaccurately or demonstrates echolalia (repeating another's speech)
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
During a round of play, all players are trying to think about various equations that will result in a given number. This process demands attention and concentration. If the child with autism is repeating phrases, this may be distracting to other players. Encourage the child to use a pencil and paper to help focus attention on the problem. If needed, players can use ear plugs while they are calulating to shut out extraneous noise.
Gets stuck repeating a verbal topic or physical actions and/or has difficulty attending to others' actions or topic.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
During a round of play, all players are trying to think about various equations that will result in a given number. This demands attention and concentration. If the child with autism is repeating phrases, this may be distracting to other players. Encourage the child to use a pencil and paper to help focus attention on the problem. If needed, players can use ear plugs while they are calulating to shut out extraneous noise.
Has difficulty producing speech/communication
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Talking is not needed to play Owl Solve That!
Has difficulty sequencing multi-step actions and/or doing complex abstract tasks
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Owl Solve That! requires using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in various sequences to solve a problem. All of these math operations are abstract processes. Although, the game can me modified to use only small numbers and use fewer mathematical operations, the process are still multi-step and still abstract. For this reason, Owl Solve That! may not be a good fit for children with autism who have difficulty with abstract, multi-step tasks.
Demonstrates difficulty initiating and maintaining social interactions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
No social interactions are required in Owl Solve That!
Acts out or demonstrates avoidance behaviors when frustrated, overwhelmed, or needs more sensory input.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Owl Solve That! requires players use intense concentration in each round. If the child with autism frquently displays loud or distracting physical actions, other players will find it difficult to focus. If a fidget toy or other manipulative is not enough to calm the child, Owl Solve That! may not be a good game for a group to play. Some children with high math skills, however, may enjoy playing the game alone or with one other player.
Has short attention span for non-preferred activities
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Many children with autism have a strength in math. If this is a preferred activity, Owl Solve That! will be a very enjoyable game.
Needs sameness or consistent routines and/or has difficulty with transitions from one activity to another
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Although the game follows the same pattern with each round, the game requires flexible thinking. Different operations are needed for each different outcome. If children do not have a high interest and skill with math, Owl Solve That! may be too stressful.
Has difficulty understanding others' feelings, intentions, and the reasons for others' actions.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players do not have to understand others thoughts or feelings to play the game. Focus on one's own problem is needed.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Extended Play
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Have all players use same solution number. Fastest to solve the equation, regardless of the number of cards used, wins. Ties are possible.
Materials Needed
No extra materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
When all players use the same number, it levels the playing field. When players choose different numbers, players who choose lower numbers may be at an advantage.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Have all players use same solution number. Every one has one minute to solve the problem. Whoever uses the most cards to reach a solution wins the round. Note that you can change the time limit depending on the age of the players.
Materials Needed
Use a timer set to one minute.
Developmental Benefits
Placing a time limit on the turn increases the need for quick thinking and adds an additional competitive element.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Give players a 2-point bonus for using all 4 operations in their solution.
Materials Needed
No additional materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
Players will get more practice creating high level equations using all operations. This will also lead to more mental flexibility, as they realize there are multiple options for getting the same result.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Collapsible content
How to Play Video & Transcript
A game where you team up with the detectives from the Owl Solve That! Agency, and examine the clues to create an equation that equals the solution.
You can play Owl Solve That! with 2 to 4 players, ages 10 and up.
Owl Solve That! is great for honing Operations skills, as players practice using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to build equations.
Owl Solve That! also helps with Problem Solving as players think of creative ways to build equations using as many of the number cards on the board as possible.
To setup, place the game board in the center of the play area.
Each player chooses an Owl character and takes the corresponding scorecard and owl pawn.
Place the score counter on the magnifying glass of each scorecard. This will be used to keep track of each player’s points.
Shuffle the deck of Number Cards, and place them next to the game board.
Then, shuffle the deck of Solution Cards, and place them next to the gameboard.
Each player draws three Solution Cards into their hand. Players should look at their cards, but not show their cards to each other.
If any player wishes to use paper and pencil for writing down their equations, they may do so.
Players earn one point for each Number Card they use. Utilizing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, players create an equation that matches one of the Solution Cards in their hand. To win, be the first player to reach 25 points on your scorecard.
To start the game, the person to the right of the first player draws the top five Number Cards and places them face-up in the five spaces on the game board.
This is the number line.
The Number Cards are used to create equations and can only be used once on that turn.
If there are less than five cards at the start of future turns, the person to the right of the current player should draw from the top of the Number Card pile and refill the number line.
If the Number Card draw pile is exhausted reshuffle the discard pile and continue play.
The current player looks at the number line, then chooses one of their Solution Cards and tries to reach that total by using as many of the Number Cards as they can.
For example, if the numbers 7, 9, 3, 6 and 4 were in the number line and you had a solution card of 42 in your hand, you could solve for that card by creating the equation using three cards. 9 x 4 = 36 + 6=42. But you could earn more points by using all 5 number cards to achieve the same solution. 7-3=4 x 9 = 36 + 6=42.
The current player then puts their solution card down in the center of the play area and Says, “Owl Solve That!” to signal to the other players that they have a solution.
Players may only complete one solution per turn
Be as creative as possible by using any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication and/or division to reach the number on the chosen solution card.
If the current player wants to rearrange the number cards in the line to help reach their solution, they should feel free to do so.
All other players have the opportunity to solve for one of their solution cards during the current player’s turn.
However, in order to score two bonus points, other players must solve for one of their solution cards and place their pawn in the center before the current player completes their equation.
Players earn two bonus points for completing an equation that uses at least three cards from the number line on another player’s turn.
Once the current player solves their solution card, all players stop solving. The current player shows everyone the math they used to reach their solution, counts the number of cards they used to complete their solution, then adds that many points to their score using the score counter.
After the current player scores, players with their owl pawns in play show their solution card and the math they used.
Players only earn points for solution cards that are solved correctly using the number cards. If their solution is incorrect or if they placed their pawn prematurely and don’t have an actual solution, they lose one point.
All players that were able to earn bonus points discard their used solution card.
Any number cards that the current player did not use remain on the table for the next player. The used cards go in a discard pile.
Each turn, there is a maximum of five points possible for the current player and two bonus points for all other players.
At the end of each turn, all players draw back up to three solution cards.
If the current player cannot solve any of their solution cards, they may discard any or all of their solution cards and draw up to three new ones. This ends their turn, and no one can earn bonus points that round.
If the Solution Card draw pile is exhausted reshuffle the discard pile and continue play.
It is now the next players turn.
The first player to reach 25 points on their scorecard wins!
Solving quickly during your turn may be helpful toward the end of the game to prevent other players from earning bonus points.
Our owl detectives need your help, so put on your thinking cap and practice your math skills with the Owl Solve That! Agency! It’ll be a hoot!
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