Build a Spooky Creature

Our most recent problem solving challenge was to design a spooky creature using Base Ten blocks that equaled 125. The groups were given 100's blocks, 10 sticks, and 1's cubes. They had the option (and challenge) to mix and match their pieces while designing. After each group finished and counted their pieces to make sure it equaled 125, we reviewed the various ways to reach 125. Several groups chose to use 1 hundred block, 2 tens sticks, and 5 ones cubes. Others chose to use 12 tens sticks and 5 ones cubes. We also discussed how many ones cubes would be needed if they used 9 tens sticks, or 8, or 6 etc. No one really wanted to change their design though, they were very proud of what they built :)