The Math Game - fun and interactive learing

Design

My niece recently starting addition and she was finding the constant repetition very boring. I decided to design a board game to make it more fun for children to learn addition, subtraction and multiplication. I added a spinning wheel to make it fun and a rotary lookup so that children can play with their friends. The game can be played by up to 4 players and last about 20 minutes.

Game concept

The game consists of three main parts. Using it is very simple and intuitive even though my description may be a bit lengthy!

1. Spinning wheels

There are two spinning wheels that can each have 12 numbers. The numbers are interchangeable. This design features allows children to progressively learn as the numbers can be changed and customized to their level.

For example, if your child is only at Level 3 multiplication tables then you would load the first wheel with numbers from 1 to 3. Alternatively, if your child is advanced then you can use more difficult numbers on the wheels such as 7, 9, 12 etc. This is also the case for addition and subtraction.

The wheels are spun to obtain two random numbers which must be added, subtracted or multiplied. For subtraction, the lower number is always subtracter from the greater number.

1. Rotary lookup calculator

The rotary lookup calculator has twelve slots for removeable slices. There is a set for addition, subtraction and multiplication. By replacing the slices, you can teach your child addition, subtraction or multiplication. Each slice has its location printed in the lower right corner and a “+”, “-“ or “x” (for the sets) in the lower left corner. You need to match the slices with the number on the rotary lookup calculator base. For example, the “12” slice would be inserted in slot “12” of the base.

The rotary lookup is very easy to use and is meant to allow children to their answers by themselves. To use it you simply line up the numbers and the arrow will point to the answer.

For example, if you spin the numbers 9 and 7. You would spin the rotary lookup calculator so that 7 is aligned with the number 9 and it will point to the answer which is 63.

1. The Game board

The objective of the game is quite simple, namely to be the first to reach the finish. Instructions are available in a able pdf file.

To play:

1. Each player successively spins both spinning wheels to get a random number set.
2. The player then has a specific time to answer the question (the time is set at the start of the game and varies depending on difficulty and skill of the player) 5-10 seconds is generally sufficient.
3. The player then validates the answer with the rotary lookup calculator. If the answer is correct, then that player advances 1 space on the board. However, if the player got one or more difficult numbers which is identified by using a different color number (ie. white number on red background vs red number on white background) then the player can advance two or even three spaces. Each difficult number allows to advance an extra space.
4. There are two routes to cross the river. By bridge or by boat. To go the boat route you need to spin the number “7” on either of the wheels and be able to enter the path to the boat on that turn (ie. at least the 1st space of the boat path).
5. If you land on a highlighted circle then it you can “spin again” and play another turn.
6. If you land on a triangle then you can challenge another player. You first identify the player and then spin the wheels. If the other player answers correctly then you don’t move and your turn ends. However, if the other player answers incorrectly then you get to move your pawn 1 to 3 spaces (depending if any “difficult reverse field numbers” were spun).
7. Two players can occupy the same space.
8. The game ends when a player reaches the finish line even if there can move beyond.
9. Parents cannot use their cellular phones or calculators!

I hope that this model will make it more fun for children to learn maths. Enjoy.

Assembly

Assembly is simple and quick but an assembly gif video is provided.

License

If you are a teacher or printing this for your school you have permission to , print and use the model providing you do not resell for profit or for commercial purposes. If in doubt just pm me.

Should anyone be interested in creating a themed game board for use with the other parts of the game please pm me and I shall add a link to it. Also, if you wish I can also send the Freecad files for the main game board.

My designs

I enjoy creating 3d models that others can use and appreciate. It is a very fun pastime. I find it very rewarding to see my models ed and printed. I put lots of thought, time and effort to create each model print out multiple iterations to make sure it works just right.

If you liked my model and wish to encourage me please give it a like or a boost. If you wish you can also help me with my filament costs. Thank you.

3d printing

You only need to print the sets you need (ie. addition, subtraction or multiplication).

If you do not have access to an AMS or multi-color printing then you can paint the models or use a sharpie.