Color sudoku follows three basic rules:
1. Use all the color options in each box without repeating
2  Use all the color options in each row without repeating
3. Use all the color options in each column without repeating

Try a simple online symbol or color sudoku. If you have an iPod Touch or iPhone you can download color sudoku here. Or perhaps you may prefer a low-tech version such as the example featured below.

Since I love sharing – feel free to download the low-tech color version of sudoku that I created as an extension activity. I printed mine on tag board and laminated to keep clean.  I also wanted to keep the colors consistent between the game boards and the pieces so I printed out color sheets and cut them down into pieces that fit each puzzle.  Since the 4 color sudoku need larger pieces than the 6 color and 9 color, I keep those pieces separate in a zip lock bag.  Reuse a shallow class-pack type box to store the entire kit together.

Use the 4-color sudoku for younger students or to introduce the concept for the first time. Let the kids differentiate their own learning by choosing their own difficulty level.  I don’t use answer keys (if you follow the rules, you know when you have found the solution)  - although you could easily create your own by writing in the color names on an extra printout by solving yourself (or have a student do it for you).

4 Color Sudoku: (Beginner)
4-Color Sudoku #1
4-Color Sudoku #2
4-Color Sudoku #3
4-Color Sudoku #4
6 Color Sudoku: (Beginner/Intermediate)
6- Color Sudoku #1
6- Color Sudoku #2
6- Color Sudoku #3
9 Color Sudoku: (Intermediate)
9 Color Sudoku #1
9 Color Sudoku #2
9 Color Sudoku #3
9 Color Sudoku #4
9 Color Sudoku #5
9 Color Sudoku #6
9 Color Sudoku: (Advanced)
9 Color Sudoku #7 (advanced)
9 Color Sudoku #8 (advanced)
9 Color Sudoku #9 (advanced)
Color-Sheets to print: (Cut down to fit sudoku puzzles)
Black
Gray
Green
Light Blue
Orange
Pink
Purple
Red
Yellow

Idea update 3/18/10: Print out duplicate sudoku game cards so students can challenge each other to see who can finish card first.

Submitted by: Susan Tiemstra, elementary art teacher from Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Art Game Title: Busy Beetles and Batty Lizards

Grade Level(s): K – 5

Category: Art Production, Citizenship, Teaching Resource

Product Review: Busy Beetles and Batty Lizards are puzzles that integrate the subject of mathematical tessellation and art, as pattern, color and a connection to the art of M.C. Escher. Each puzzle comes with suggested patterns that can challenge students, however, there are endless ways these puzzles can be created either individually, in groups or as a whole class! These puzzles are a great after finishing art projects, keeps their minds engaged, and provides an opportunity to improve leadership and citizenship skills whether you have 5 minutes or more. I own several of each of the Busy Beetles and Batty Lizards, and my students from kindergarten through 5th grade never get tired of creating with them!

Bucket Rating (out of 5):

(5) Love it! Need it! Gotta have it now!

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