Students of all ages enjoy playing games in the math classroom. Just mention that you are playing a game in class and your students get excited. Using games in the math classroom is a way to ensure student involvement. Even your least motivated students will do their work when a game is involved. I like to use games that are easy to make and that I can play with any type of question. One game I like to use is a coordinate plane game. The game is similar to the battleship game.
Creating the Game
Creating the game is simple! The first thing you need is a sheet of graph paper for each student. You can run off a sheet of graph paper that already has the coordinate plane printed on it or you can have students draw their own coordinate plane. I use a coordinate plane that has a 10 maximum and -10 minimum for each axis. If your students have not learned negative numbers you can have them graph the first quadrant. Math-aids.com is a site I use for free graph paper.
The second thing you need is a set of questions on the topic you choose. You can use a worksheet, task cards (see below) , or a textbook. Any set of questions will work. You will need to have a way for students to check answers. I usually run off a copy of the answers for each group or give students a calculator to check each other.
Playing the Game
First students need to put “battleships” on their coordinate plane. I have them draw one 3 point battleship, two 4-point battleships, and two 5-point battleships. I have them draw vertical or horizontal battleships. They can choose. Here is an example:
Rules to the Game
1. Students should work in pairs (Player A and Player B).*
2. Each student needs to create battleships on their coordinate plane. They need to make sure the person they are playing against does not see their battleships.
3. Students face each other and keep their coordinate plane in front of them.
4. Player A does the first problem. Player B checks the answer using the answer sheet or a calculator. If Player A is correct they get a chance to “hit” the other students ship by calling out an ordered pair. The x and y value should be from -10 to 10. If they hit the ship Player B must let them know. If Player A did not get the problem correct they do not get a chance to “hit” the ship.
5. Player B does the next problem and Player A checks the problem. Now Player B gets a chance to hit the battleship if they are correct. The students keep taking turns until the teacher says time is up or they finish the questions.
6. The winner is the one who sinks the most ships or has the most hits.
*Sometimes you may need to have a group of three. You can have them rotate and play as Player A, Player B, and Player C.
This game is easy to play and students really enjoy it. It is a game you can keep in your teacher toolbox and use often. It works well with any subject and any grade. All you need is graph paper and questions.
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