Math Function Generator Game

Challenging Students to Demonstrate Math Concept Understanding

Apr 21, 2009
David R. Wetzel

Math Game - Gokhan Okur

Math games help students make connections within and between math concepts as they learn to problem solve outside the normal math learning context.

Student understanding in math involves the strategy of learning through connection of math concepts. In support of this strategy, the math function generator game helps students by using hands-on minds-on applications of concepts. As students play the game, they develop a better understanding of math through linking factual knowledge and conceptual knowledge.

This game also provides opportunities for students to practice problem solving skills in realistic situations. As students practice problem solving skills playing the math function generator game, their confidence increases as they learn to solve difficult problems. They also learn to stick with challenging math tasks.

Math games, such as the math function generator game, provide an engaging strategy for students struggling with math or who just need additional reinforcement of math concepts. The overall goal of any math game is to make connections within or between concepts, which is critical for students as they learn the usefulness of math.

Purpose of Math Function Generator Game

The purpose of this game is to challenge students to apply one or more math concepts at the same time to solve problems as they determine how the math generator calculated an answer. The underlying strategy of this game is to help students acquire new ways of thinking and develop habits of persistence when using math concepts in unfamiliar situations.

How to Play Math Function Generator Game

The following steps provide guidance for playing the game.

Students are divided into groups of four and provide each member of the group with a math function generator game sheet. (Variation is to divide the class into two teams.)
One member of the group acts as the math function generator.
The remaining members of the group take turns giving the student (math function generator) a number of their choice. All students write each number in the blanks on the “Input” side of the game sheet.
The student acting as the math function generator calculates, mentally or using a separate paper, an answer for the “Output” side of the game sheet which corresponds to the “Input” number. All students write the answer in the blanks on the “Output” side of the game sheet corresponding to the “Input” number.
Members of the group, except the student acting as the math function generator, take turns attempting to determine what math functions were used to calculate at the “Output” answer.
Student acting as math function generator shares what functions were used if no group member solves the problem.
Next the math function generator role moves to another student and the process is repeated.
Each student should have at least two turns as the math function generator.

Math Function Generator Variations

The following are provided as ice breakers to give students examples of math functions when it is their turn to be the math function generator.

Addition – add 25 to input number
Subtraction – subtract 5 from input number
Multiplication – multiply input number by 6
Division – divide input number by 2
Division & Addition – divide input number 2 and add 12
Multiplication & Subtraction – multiply input number by 2 and subtract 6
Algebra – add the next larger number to input of 5 and output is 11 (5 + x = 11, x = 6)
Square – square input number and add 5
Rounding – round input number to nearest hundred

These are only a few examples of all the possible math function combinations used for the math function generator game.

Making Connections with Math Games

One advantage of the math function generator game is that student misconceptions about math concepts become apparent quickly. Math games such as this game provide the critical link between learning about math concept connections within and between concepts. Students who learn concepts outside the normal context, as a supplement to math problem presentation in textbooks, will develop a better understanding of math.