Math Quest: Design Your Own Adventure Game

1st Grade

Project
4 weeks

Math Quest: Design Your Own Adventure Game

Bray, Jenna

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage first-grade students in the creative process of designing their own math games, focusing on addition and subtraction within 20. By creating a game board, rules, and pieces, students will apply their mathematical knowledge in a practical and enjoyable way. This hands-on experience aims to enhance their problem-solving skills, encourage collaboration, and foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Additionally, the project promotes community engagement by allowing students to share their games with family, peers, and local community centers, thereby broadening their learning experience and contributing to educational resources beyond the classroom.

Learning goals

In this project, students will develop a deeper understanding of addition and subtraction within 20 through the creation of a math game. They will learn to formulate and solve word problems, focusing on strategies such as counting on, making ten, and using number bonds. Additionally, students will enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills by designing a game board, crafting rules, and creating game pieces. They will also practice communication and collaboration as they present their games, receive feedback, and reflect on improvements. The project will foster a sense of community by encouraging students to share their games with family, peers, and local organizations.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.C.6: Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten; decomposing a number leading to a ten; using the relationship between addition and subtraction; and creating equivalent but easier or known sums.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

Products

In this project, students will create their own math games that incorporate addition and subtraction word problems within 20. Each game will include a game board, clear rules, and game pieces. The final product will be a math game kit, which students can distribute to local community centers or libraries, promoting community engagement and providing access to educational resources. Additionally, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and creativity through the design and development process, culminating in a 'Game Designers' Gallery Walk' and a 'Math Game Day' to showcase and share their work.

Launch

Math Game Adventure Day: Organize a day where students explore various math games, both digital and physical, to spark inspiration. Include stations where they can play games that incorporate addition and subtraction, and discuss what makes these games engaging and educational. This will help students understand the components of a successful math game and stimulate their creativity for their own designs.

Exhibition

To effectively exhibit the students' math games, organize a "Math Game Expo" where each student sets up a booth to display their game. Invite parents, other classes, and community members to attend. Each booth should include the game board, pieces, and rules, as well as a brief explanation from the student about their design process and the math concepts involved. Encourage visitors to play the games and provide feedback through comment cards. This event will not only celebrate the students' hard work but also allow them to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills to a wider audience, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Math Game Adventure Day - Students will explore various math games, both digital and physical, to gain inspiration. The teacher will facilitate discussions on what makes a game engaging and educational.	Activity 2: Breakdown of Math Games - Students will analyze the components of successful math games, focusing on addition and subtraction elements. They will work in groups to discuss different game mechanics and how these can be applied to their own designs.	Activity 3: Brainstorming Session - Students will brainstorm ideas for their own math games. They will create initial sketches and lists of potential game mechanics, rules, and themes that incorporate addition and subtraction within 20.	Activity 4: Concept Development - Students will refine their game ideas, focusing on clear objectives and rules. They will draft simple outlines of their game board and consider what materials they might need.	Activity 5: Presentation of Game Concepts - Students will present their game ideas to the class for feedback. They will explain the math concepts involved and how they plan to engage players. Classmates and the teacher will provide constructive feedback.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A list of game ideas and themes, including a rough sketch of the game board, rules, and possible game pieces. 2. Deliverable 2: A short presentation of the game concept with feedback notes from peers and the teacher.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Organize Math Game Adventure Day with stations for playing and discussing different math games. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare materials and resources for brainstorming and concept development, such as paper, markers, and examples of math games. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a rubric or checklist for evaluating initial game concepts and providing feedback.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Game Mechanics Workshop - Students will attend a workshop where they learn about different game mechanics that can be used to make their games engaging. They will experiment with various mechanics and decide on those most suitable for their game.	Activity 2: Rule Drafting Session - Students will draft detailed rules for their games, ensuring clarity and incorporation of addition and subtraction within 20. They will focus on creating rules that are easy to understand and follow.	Activity 3: Game Board Design - Students will design the layout of their game boards using materials such as paper, markers, and templates. They will also consider how the game board will facilitate the gameplay and mathematical learning objectives.	Activity 4: Prototype Creation - Students will begin creating prototypes of their games, including simple versions of the board, game pieces, and cards. They will test these prototypes to identify any issues with gameplay or rules.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Iteration - Students will pair up to exchange prototypes and play each other's games. They will provide feedback on the clarity of rules, the effectiveness of game mechanics, and the incorporation of math concepts. Students will then refine their games based on this feedback.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A complete draft of the game rules, clearly incorporating addition and subtraction within 20. 2. Deliverable 2: A prototype of the game including a preliminary game board design and initial game pieces. 3. Deliverable 3: Feedback notes from peers on the prototype and game rules.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare a workshop on game mechanics, including examples and resources for students to explore. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Gather materials for game board design and prototype creation, such as paper, markers, templates, and miscellaneous crafting supplies. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a feedback form or checklist for students to use during the peer review process.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Game Testing and Analysis - Students will conduct thorough playtesting of their own games to identify areas for improvement. They will analyze each aspect of their game, including rules, mechanics, and math concepts, and document their findings.	Activity 2: Feedback Implementation - Based on the analysis and feedback received during peer reviews, students will make necessary adjustments to their games. This includes refining rules, improving clarity, and ensuring the math concepts are correctly integrated.	Activity 3: Game Piece Enhancement - Students will focus on enhancing the design and functionality of their game pieces. They will consider aesthetics, usability, and how the pieces contribute to the overall gameplay experience.	Activity 4: Finalizing Game Components - Students will finalize all components of their games, including the game board, pieces, and cards. They will ensure all elements are cohesive and contribute to the educational objectives.	Activity 5: Presentation Preparation - Students will prepare for presenting their refined games. They will practice explaining their design process, the math concepts involved, and how their game achieves its educational goals.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A documented analysis of the initial game testing, including identified issues and proposed solutions. 2. Deliverable 2: An updated version of the game, incorporating feedback and improvements. 3. Deliverable 3: A presentation outline that details the game design process, math concepts, and educational objectives.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop guidelines for game testing and analysis to help students identify key areas for improvement. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Provide resources and examples for enhancing game pieces, focusing on functionality and aesthetics. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Organize a schedule for student presentations, ensuring each student has adequate time and support to present their game.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Game Revisions - Students will perform final checks and revisions on their games to ensure they are complete and fully functional. This includes a last review of rules, game boards, and pieces.	Activity 2: Game Designers' Gallery Walk - Organize a gallery walk where students set up their games in a classroom or hallway. Students will walk around, play each other's games, and provide final feedback before the Math Game Expo.	Activity 3: Math Game Expo Setup - Students will organize and set up their booths for the Math Game Expo. They will prepare their presentations and ensure all game components are ready for display.	Activity 4: Math Game Expo - Host the Math Game Expo where students showcase their games to parents, peers, and community members. Students will present their games, explain the design process, and discuss the math concepts involved.	Activity 5: Reflection and Feedback Session - After the expo, students will reflect on their experience, gather feedback from attendees, and discuss what they learned from the project. They will complete a reflection sheet to document their insights.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A polished and finalized version of the math game, ready for presentation and play. 2. Deliverable 2: A presentation setup for the Math Game Expo, including a booth with game components and explanatory materials. 3. Deliverable 3: A completed reflection sheet summarizing the project experience, feedback received, and personal learning outcomes.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Coordinate logistics for the Math Game Expo, including space setup, scheduling, and invitations for parents and community members. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare materials and resources for the gallery walk and reflection session, such as feedback forms and reflection sheets. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Ensure all students have the necessary support and guidance for final game revisions and expo presentations.