Calculation Nation™ allows students to challenge opponents from anywhere in the world. At the same time, students are able to challenge themselves by investigating significant mathematical content and practicing fundamental skills. The element of competition adds an extra layer of excitement.
Calculation Nation™ currently features the following five games:
· Square Off Players use area and perimeter in this game to “capture” alien space ships. The more ships you capture and the more area you cover, the more you score.
· Factor Dazzle In this game, players are to find all the factors of a number to earn points. Then choose a number for you opponent to find all the factors.
· Fraction Feud Earn points by creating a larger (or smaller) fraction than your opponent.
· Times Square Try to get four squares in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally by using knowledge of factors and multiples.
· Slam Ball Contestants use their knowledge of angles, symmetry, and reflections to choose the path that will result in the most points.
These games provide an entertaining environment for students to explore mathematics. They are a great way for students to reinforce skills that they have learned in class. The games are organized around content from the upper elementary and middle grades math curriculum. The folks at NCTM keep track of scores and let students see a map featuring the states where their opponents live. No names are revealed--just states and screen names. I highly recommend Calculation Nation™ and hope that you will check it out at http://calculationnation.nctm.org/Games/ if you haven’t already! Let us know what you think by posting comments below.