Directions:

This matching grid pattern game concept has been demonstrated at numerous mathematics conferences and workshops by teachers from all levels of the high school curriculum.   Presenters demonstrate applications to a wide variety of mathematical topics, including logic, algebraic manipulation, factoring, geometry, trigonometry, polar and rectangular coordinates, and derivatives.  While each teacher may add his/her own personal touches, the basic directions of the game remain the same.

Prepare a grid (usually 4 by 4 in size..but any size is acceptable).  The sides of the squares within the grid will contain problems or answers.  Start by placing a problem on one side of a square and the answer on the adjacent side of a neighboring square.  Distracter problems or answers may be placed on the outside edges.

Suggestions: 

• When making a matching GRID game, make the answer key first.
• Caution: If you cut apart your answer key to form the game pieces for the students, your students may spend their time trying to match the "cut" sides of the paper instead of solving the problems.  The easiest way to eliminate this problem, is to shuffle your answer key pieces to form a new non-matching grid (see example below).  Students can now cut apart their own pieces, if you wish.
• The object of the game is to match the sides of squares to produce the same result or answer.
• Supplies: scissors to cut apart the grid and scotch tape to reassemble the grid.

Sample Grid for "Order of Operations" - ANSWER KEY

Start with an empty grid and prepare the answer key first. Click on the small grid displayed at the right to see a larger (full page) grid, suitable for printing.  Typing grid games is tedious and time consuming.  Hand written games work equally well.

Student Grid for "Order of Operations"-STUDENT COPY

After preparing the answer key, cut the grid apart and randomly reassemble the pieces.  The result will be the master for the "student" copy of the grid.  Make copies for the students.  Have students cut the grid apart and reassemble the pieces.  Click on the small grid displayed at the right to see a larger (full page) grid, suitable for printing.

Links:

Grid for Order of Operations (more on the one shown above)

  Grid for Multiplying (or Factoring) Polynomials