Fun Math Arcade Games

Enhance the math classroom with computer games.

Arcade-style computer games can enhance student learning and provide students the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into action. Teachers need not purchase expensive game programs for the classroom. Many computer games are available online for free. Motivate students by keeping track of scores between classmates and awarding prizes or allowing students to play games when normal class work is completed early.

'Coins Mystery'

Teach coin-counting skills with the "Coin Mystery" game.

XP Math's "Coins Mystery" is a timed game where players try to figure out how much money is in two bags of coins. Each problem is presented in the same way, such as "8 Quarters + ? Dimes = $2.40." When the student enters the correct number into the blank, he moves on to the next problem, the student does not progress to the next question until he has answered each question correctly. At the conclusion of the game, students are ranked based on how quickly they answered the questions. "Coins Mystery" is appropriate for students learning about coin values and for older students being introduced to algebraic concepts.

'ArthimeTick'

Timed games help students develop.

SpaceTime Arcade's "ArthimeTick" is a timed game where students answer mathematics problems. Before the student begins the game, he may select the difficulty of the game and the types of problems he wishes to work on, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The time clock is set to 30 seconds, and problems are presented on a graphic that looks like a chalkboard. Students use the mouse to select the appropriate numbers to answer the math problems. Each correct answer adds an additional second is added to the time clock, enabling the student to gain more points. Each incorrect answer deducts three seconds from the clock. When the time clock has expired, the student is given a score that can be compared to other students who have competed in the game. Students may submit their scores or attempt the game again. High scores are compared against other students selecting the same difficulty level and types of mathematical problems.

'Math Man'

Primary Games' "Math Man" is a twist on the classic "Pac-Man" arcade game. Students earn points by moving a Pac-Man shaped character around the maze and eating dots and ghosts. When the character eats a "?" shape, a complex formula appears at the bottom of the screen, such as "48 ÷4 + 5= ?" The character must eat the correctly labeled ghost, in this case the ghost labeled 17, or he will lose a life. The level is passed when all of the ghosts are eaten, regardless of how many pellets remain in the maze. Earn the most amount of points by eating all the pellets and then the correct ghosts.

References

• XP Math: 'Coin Mystery'
• SpaceTime Arcade: 'ArithmeTick'
• Primary Games: 'Math Man'

Resources

• XP Math Games: Arcade Games
• SpaceTime Arcade: Free Math & Puzzle Games
• Primary Games: Math Games