This variation of 20 Questions develops memory and critical thinking skills. Kids must use deductive reasoning to figure out the geometric figures of their opponents.
What this activity will develop:
Math, physical, art and thinking skills
What you'll need:
• Cardboard
• Scissors or knife
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Glue
• Small nails
• Small rubber bands
What to do:
1. Cut three six-inch squares from the cardboard. Stack the squares, and glue them together.
2. Mark pencil dots on the cardboard, using the pattern on the following page. Label the vertical rows of dots A, B, C, D, and E. Label the horizontal rows 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
3. Dip each nail end in the glue. Then push in a nail at each dot.
4. Allow the glue to dry for several hours.
Rules of play:
1. Three or more people can play. Each one needs a geoboard and several small rubber bands.
2. One player makes a secret figure on the geoboard with the rubber bands.
3. The other players try to discover what the figure looks like and where it is located on the board. They are allowed 20 questions as a group. They take turns asking questions that can be answered yes or no.
For example:
• Does your figure have three sides? (No)
• Does your figure have four sides? (Yes)
• Would I find a nail inside your figure? (No)
• Does your figure touch fewer than five nails? (Yes)
• Are any of the nails on the line marked D? (No)
4. Be sure to keep a tally of the number of questions asked.
5. A player who suspects the answer may use his or her turn to make the figure with a rubber band and show it to the first player. If the figure and location are correct, the player wins. If not, the game continues until 20 questions have been asked.
6. The winner may create the next secret figure. If no one guesses the figure, the same player makes a new secret figure.
