Learn about math and other cultures by taking on MAGPI’s Math Game Challenge! Have your students take on the role of educator and have them teach their peers about a math game from another country. Each participating school will be tasked with demonstrating a math game or numerical challenge from another country to other schools on the videoconference. Students will be charged with putting together a handout that explains the game, along with a materials list, that can emailed to other participating schools ahead of time.  Each school will have 10 minutes to present their game/challenge and lead their peers in the game.  You’re welcome to present more than one game during the program - - especially if they are ‘quick’ group games.

Once you register your school for the project, you will need to email Heather Weisse Walsh with the game(s) your school wants to present as part of the challenge. This way, we can ensure that the same game is not presented multiple times in the same age category. Your game selections are due on 10 days before the event. Your handouts are due 5 days before the event.

Program Outline:

• Register for the Project
  Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis)

• Choose your Game(s) to Present (Complete 15 days before event)
  Choose your game(s) and email Heather with your selection

• Create your Student Handout and Presentation (Complete 10 days before event)
  Have students create a handout about their game and where it originated, as well as a creative presentation (see instructions under “Pre-Videoconference Activities.”) You’ll receive the handouts for all of the schools participating in your session approximately 5 days before your event.

• Challenge Day!
  Be sure all students have copies of the handouts and materials needed to play each game!

Pre-Videoconference Activities:

• Select Your Game(s): Using the resources listed or resources from your own school, select the math game/challenge(s) your students will present. Remember – the game should originate from another country.

• Create Your Handout: Your handout will be given to all students at every site participating in the program - - so be sure it’s grade level appropriate! Your handout must include the following:
  • The name of your game
  • The name, city and state of the school presenting the game
  • The country where the game originated
  • Background information on the country of origin
  • Materials needed to play the game
  • How to play the game/rules of the game
  • If your game requires a game board (i.e. a bingo board), include that with your handout
  • Images that describe your country of origin or how to play the game

• Create Your Presentation: Your 10 minute presentation should include the following:
  • The name of your game
  • Fun facts about your school (Don’t forget to introduce yourselves!)
  • The country where the game originated
  • Background information on the country of origin
  • Materials needed to play the game
  • How to play the game/rules of the game
  • CREATIVITY! Use drama, multimedia, song, etc. to explain your game

• Make sure you see the additional tips and suggestions for your handouts/presentations in the Teacher’s Guide [PDF] for this program!

Post-Videoconference Activities:

• Reflect: Have students write a written reflection about the program or conduct a classroom dialogue with students. Some questions to consider: what did they like about the project? What new facts did they learn? What did they learn about research? What surprised them about the other schools’ presentations?

National Educational Standards:

Participation in this program meets the following standards, as outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:

• students will be able to organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication;
• students will be able to communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others;
• students will be able to analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others;
• students will be able to use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely.

Participation in this program satisfies the following English language arts standards, as outlined by the National Council for Teachers of English:

• Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

• Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.