Math Game Monday: Sim

This game challenges students to plan ahead and think strategically.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Sim

Math Concepts: geometry, strategy.

Players: only two.

Equipment: colored pencils or markers, paper.

How to Play

Draw a circle. Add 6 dots spaced out around the circumference.

Each player needs a different colored pencil or marker.

Take turns drawing straight lines across the circle to connect two of the dots. The first person to complete a triangle in their own color with all three corners on the circle loses the game.

Variations

Use the game as a journaling prompt. Here are some sample questions:

• What is your strategy for winning?

• Do you think this is a fair game, or does one player have an advantage?

• How would you count score, so you could compare your performance from one game to the next?

• How would you modify the game rules? Is your version easier or harder than the original game?

• Do you prefer logical strategy games or games of chance? Or do the best games have a bit of both? Explain.