Teaching Proofs With Uno

 

I’ve found trying to teach proofs in geometry can be quite trying. Many of my students do not have as good a foundation as they should, especially since the pandemic hit. I found this wonderful activity at Geometry Coach on using Uno to help teach proofs. This activity is used to introduce proofs in geometry. 

First, it is a good idea to play a couple of hands of Uno so students know how the game is played before adding in the activity for students to learn to write proofs based on certain cards. The presentation has students use the T column to write the proof and students are shown several cards with say a blue 6 being the starting card with a wild card, a yellow 5, a yellow one, and a blue skip card available to use and the goal is to use these cards to get to a yellow reverse card.

So using these cards, students use the T and fill it out to show the steps from the blue 6 to the yellow reverse and include reasons for each step

This one was set up so they only had to rely on either change color or same color.  The author of this article included a power point presentation with this situation, and six others so students experience several different scenarios. Each situation comes with solutions but students have the opportunity to try it themselves before the solution is shown. 

This also comes with a worksheet that is divided into two parts. The first part has one example before asking students to complete four proofs on their own. The second part has them actually complete a fairly simple proof on their own. 

I think I would create some situations so students could work in small groups to determine how to write a proof for these before assigning them the worksheet. In addition, as an extension, I think it would be good to play limited hands and have a recorder fill out a form for all the cards played. This last activity would make students more aware of statements/cards with reasons in the context of the game.

The link I provided at the beginning of this has links to the power point, worksheet and a digital deck of Uno cards for free. I would advise you to check it out, download it, and use it.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear. Have a great day.