Fantastic Middle School Math Games eBook

1. Target Number (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 6

Target Number is a game in which five numbers are selected and must be combined using mathematical symbols to equal a given number. Students use number sense, logic, and problem solving skills to write expressions that are equal to the target number. The game can be played as a "filler" to profitably use a few extra class minutes (no worksheet needed) or sets of numbers can be chosen to create an assignment (worksheet included).

2. Capture the Quads (Small Group) p. 9

Capture the Quads is a game that requires students to use ordered pairs to locate hidden rectangles and squares on the other player's game board. Students compete in pairs and attempt to capture the hidden quadrilaterals on their opponent's game sheet. Capture the Quads is excellent practice in plotting points on the coordinate plane.

3. Function Factory (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 13

Function Factory is a student favorite! Students try to determine the "secret rule" that is used to change one number into another. The game uses t-tables and requires students to write the function rule as an equation in the form y=_______.

4. Fraction Golf (Small Group) p. 16

Fraction Golf is a game where students roll number cubes to determine their score at each hole. In this game they must compare fractions, use inequalities, and use proper mathematical vocabulary. The game is presented in nine-hole and eighteen-hole versions. Students compete in pairs.

5. Pico, Fermi, Bagel (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 20

Pico, Fermi, Bagel is a game of logic in which student use clues about the position of individual digits in a number to try to identify unknown two and three-digit numbers. Students enjoy this game immensely! I usually play Pico, Fermi, Bagel with the entire class. It can be played as a "filler" to profitably use a few extra class minutes.

6. Pest Patrol Logic Game (Small Group) p. 23

Pest Patrol is a variation of the ancient logic game of Nim. In Beetle Invasion! and Spider Invasion! students use logic to clean house and win the game. Pest Patrol is a game for two students.

7. The Inner Circle (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 27

The Inner Circle is a game in which the teacher (or a student) chooses a number pattern or rule and the students in the class try to identify that rule. The game requires students to think about many possible number patterns and to revise their thinking as more numerical data becomes available. The Inner Circle can be used to strengthen math skills involving fractions, decimals, factors, multiples, prime numbers, and much more. Use your imagination to create different mathematical rules!

8. Get There First (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 30

The goal of Get There First is to be the player that adds a number to reach the target sum. The game requires students to use trial and error, discover patterns, and develop game strategies. The game can be modified, but a solid, mathematical strategy will allow students to be successful in any version of the game. Logic is used and the algebraic representation of patterns is a great extension activity.

9. 25 or Bust! (Small Group) p. 33

25 or Bust! is a game of probability in which the students roll number cubes and risk points to be the first to either win with 25 points or go bust with 0 points. The game can be used in the study of theoretical probability, experimental probability, and in the introduction of expected value.

10. Math Bingo (Whole Class) p. 37

Math Bingo is an activity that is perfect for reviewing key mathematics vocabulary in a unit of study. It can also be used to review any type of mathematics problem. Math Bingo provides the teacher with a fun and different way to review the mathematics that has already been presented in class.

11. Finding Factors (Whole Class or Small Group) p. 43

Finding Factors is my version of a popular math game in which two teams try to score points by alternately choosing numbers that have the biggest differential between the chosen number and the total of the factors of this number that still remain on the game board.

12. Mathegories Overhead Version (Whole Class) p. 47-71

The Mathegories Game Collection is a set of 10 (Jeopardy-style) games that include 50 categories and 250 questions at varying levels of difficulty. Mathegories is a terrific way to review mathematical concepts with your students! Simply make an overhead of the game board and you are ready to play!

Note: The questions in the Mathegories Overhead Version are the same as the questions in the PowerPoint version of Mathegories.