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Directions:
This matching grid pattern game concept has been demonstrated at numerous mathematics
conferences and workshops by teachers from all levels of the high school curriculum.
Presenters demonstrate applications to a wide variety of mathematical topics,
including logic, algebraic manipulation, factoring, geometry, trigonometry, polar and
rectangular coordinates, and derivatives. While each teacher may add his/her own
personal touches, the basic directions of the game remain the same.
Prepare a grid (usually 4 by 4 in size ... but any size is
acceptable). The sides of the squares within the grid will contain problems or
answers. Start by placing a problem on one side of a square and the answer on the
adjacent side of a neighboring square. Distracter problems or answers may be placed
on the outside edges.
Suggestions:
- When making a matching GRID game, make the answer key first.
- Caution: If you cut apart your answer key to
form the game pieces for the students, your students may spend their time trying to match
the "cut" sides of the paper instead of solving the problems. The easiest
way to eliminate this problem, is to shuffle your answer key pieces to form a new
non-matching grid (see example below). Students can now cut apart their own pieces,
if you wish.
- The object of the game is to match the sides of squares to produce the same result or answer.
- Supplies: pre-cut pieces (or scissors if students are to cut their
own pieces). Answers can be scotch taped together, glued to
another piece of paper, or just "shown" on students' desks.
| Sample Grid for "Order of Operations"
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Teacher's ANSWER KEY |
Start with an empty
grid and prepare the answer key first. Typing grid games is tedious and time consuming. Hand written games
work equally well. |
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| Student Grid for "Order of Operations"-Student's COPY |
After preparing the
answer key, cut the grid apart and randomly reassemble the pieces. The result will
be the master for the "student" copy of the grid. Make copies for the
students. Pre-cut the grids or have students cut the grids apart.
The task is to reassemble the pieces matching equivalent answers. |
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