Games for Math Expressions
An algebraic expression is like a phrase. It can include a variable or a combination of variables, numbers and symbols to represent a relationship in math. 5x + 2y is an expression. An expression has no equals sign. Pre-algebra students must understand this concept in order to be successful. Math games provide effective means for reinforcement. Create your own expressions games or use online resources.
Other People Are Reading
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I Have...Who Has?
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This math game is played with a group; it involves mental computation. Create a set of cards. Distribute all cards, making sure each student receives one. The first student orally reads his card: "I have 2y. Who has this doubled?" The student with the requested response reads his card aloud: "I have 4y. Who has this increased by 5?" The next respondent, "I have 4y + 5..." The game continues back to the initial reader. Design the cards to suit ability level. You can find a "Who Has" linear expressions game on Math 'n Stuff's website (see Resources).
PowerPoint "Jeopardy"
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Games can be patterned after popular television shows. Design your own version of the "Jeopardy" game for evaluating expressions. James Madison University publishes a PowerPoint template that you can adapt to your specific needs (see Resourcs). Incorporate variable values as the category headings: "If x = 8," "If y = 2," and so on. Adjust the questions so they increase in difficulty as the monetary value on the board increases. A $100 question under the "If x= 8" heading might be "What is 3x?" A $500 question could be "What is 10x -16?"
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Match Game
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On the Quia (Quintessential Instructional Archive) website, you'll find a game in which students are asked to match phrases and expressions. "Six more than two times a number" matches "2n + 6." After playing Quia's game, separate students into small groups of two or three. Challenge them to create their own matching games for expressions. Students will experience a higher level of critical thinking when they invent their own games.
Expression Bingo
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Use a site such as Print-Bingo to create customized Bingo cards for an expressions' game (see Resources). You can also ask students to create their own Bingo boards. Provide a generous list of expressions, such as "2x" or "6n + 9," from which they can choose. Students write different expressions in the squares. Read the matching word phrases orally as students try to match them to their rows or columns for a Bingo win.
Online Resources
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Many additional algebraic expression games can be found online. Study Stack has a hangman game and flash cards designed for reinforcement of expressions. AAA Math's "Evaluating an Expression" game gives students the option of playing with either one or two variables. Math-Play's "Algebraic Expressions Millionaire" game is based on the television show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" It can be played with one or two players; it can also be used as a team game for the whole class.
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References
Resources
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