Distance Game Topic Index | Geometry Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

Supplies:  -two pair of dice (one pair white, one pair colored)                      -overhead graph transparency                       -overhead marking pens                      -small candies or gum (optional)

Directions:  to allow for negative coordinates, have the white dice represent positive values and have the colored dice represent negative values.  Place the two pair of dice in a bag.

To start the game, shake the bag and draw one die.  Roll the die.  This value represents the x-coordinate.  Draw a second die.  Roll the die.  This value represents the y-coordinate.  These values will be the coordinates of the starting point called HOME.  Mark the starting point on the overhead graph grid.

Have each student shake the bag, draw a die, and roll a number to represent his/her x-coordinate.  Do the same to obtain the student's y-coordinate.  Remember, if a colored die is drawn, the coordinate is negative.  This ordered pair will represent the student's position on the grid.  

Each student is to determine the distance of his/her coordinate from the HOME coordinate.

Allow for a combination of winners.  For example, a winner is the student whose distance  is:
---the smallest (he/she is closest to HOME)
---the largest (he/she is farthest from HOME) 
---the magic number (some number you choose to keep the game interesting)
---the same as another student's distance 
Having more than one winning condition will prevent students from simply looking at the general location of their coordinate in relation to HOME and not bothering to find the actual distance because "mine couldn't possibly win."

The students who have the winning coordinates are asked to place their points on the overhead for all students to see.  They are also asked to place their solutions on the board (or be ready to defend their answers).  Any student who wishes to challenge an answer may do so at this time.

If time allows (which it seldom does), you can play another round.

It is more exciting if the winners receive a small prize (a piece of candy, a stick of gum, a bonus point on a quiz).