Let It Slide: A Measurement Game

In any other circumstance, sliding playing cards along a table might not seem like a learning activity, but this game is! Take turns sliding cards, measuring their distance from the edge using a ruler, and adding up the total to find your score. Practice makes perfect! Try sliding the cards so they just touch the edge. You'll receive a score of zero and are almost guaranteed to walk away the winner.

What You Need:

• Deck of cards
• Ruler
• Table about a meter in length (or masking tape to mark off a meter in length)
• Paper and pencil (to record scores)

What You Do:

1. Select a table to use for the game. It should be about a meter in length. (If it is longer, place a piece of masking tape approximately one meter from the edge.)
2. Each player draws 3 cards from the pack. They take turns sliding the cards along the table. The goal is to have the card land touching the edge of the table, or the 1 meter mark.
3. Measure the distance each card is from the edge (meter mark) using a ruler. Use either centimeters or inches, but be consistent. (Note: If a card has fallen off of the table, it incurs a 20 point penalty, as it cannot be easily measured.) Players should add up their total number of centimeters (or inches) and record them for the round.
4. Play for five rounds. The player with the least amount of points wins the game.

Variation:

For younger players, take turns drawing and sliding just one card at a time.