Get to Twenty Exercise

Get to Twenty is a math group initiative that uses a deck of cards to promote teamwork skills and reflect on leadership styles.

First, divide your large group into smaller groups of 4 to 6 people. Distribute one random playing card to each person, so each group has 4 to 6 cards in their possession.

If possible, avoid distributing cards with duplicate values in each group.

Instruct each small group to use all of their cards together with any mathematical function (add, subtract, multiply and divide) to produce an equation of exactly 20. A 10 and a King have the same face value (10 points) so prevent this duplication where you can.

For example, King + Ace + 8 + 6 – 5 = 20.

Ask the groups to lay their cards face-up on the ground or table. Allow at least 5 to 10 minutes for each small group to problem-solve.

Naturally, one group will often discover a solution quicker than others. When this occurs, challenge that group to look for more solutions, ie a different sequence or use of mathematical functions to produce the same (20) result.

Indeed, all groups aim to produce as many different sequences or solutions as they can in 10 minutes.

Moment of Reflection

• How did your group work together to come up with 20? How did you involve everyone in your group?
• Were you able to come up with more than one solution?
• What leadership attributes were exhibited during the exercise? Was that leadership effective? Why?

The topics of this publication: teamwork, integration, collaboration, cooperation, interactions, foster relationships, leadership, reflection, lateral thinking