How Might We Create New Games Using Math Concepts?
6th grade Math teacher Keith Stanton brought his students to The Idea Lab to design an innovative game--something new or an improvement to a current game. Student teams of three and four went through an iterative design process to develop it. Mr. Stanton told them in the development process that they had to use math concepts they had discussed in class - OR - if necessary for their project, research concepts they were unfamiliar with. The concepts used included basic arithmetic, ratios and proportions, and geometry to name a few.
The next step was to sketch up a model of their designs. Some students drew their models on the walls of the lab, others crafted them out of paper. One team, whose project is Trampoball, prototyped their design using the 3D printer (with disasterous results the first time around). Other group projects included the design of an ecoplane, the creation of a math game for younger students using an elevator, and the conception of a multi-purpose room.
The next step was to sketch up a model of their designs. Some students drew their models on the walls of the lab, others crafted them out of paper. One team, whose project is Trampoball, prototyped their design using the 3D printer (with disasterous results the first time around). Other group projects included the design of an ecoplane, the creation of a math game for younger students using an elevator, and the conception of a multi-purpose room.