Creating Nim Games (Math Project Series)

Rating:
Summary: A fun way to build analytical skills in children
Review: If you're looking for a creative way to spark elementary or junior high students' mathematical thinking, you'll love this book. The author begins by teaching the basic game of Nim, a Chinese folk game that's simple to learn but requires strategic thinking to win. Students analyze the game by working backwards and looking for patterns--good strategies for solving a variety of math problems. Then the students play several other games, in the process learning to recognize isomorphism (things that are basically the same, though they look different on the surface.) The unit of study climaxes with each student designing and packaging his own game, based on the principles of Nim. These finished games are sure to become family keepsakes, and they would also make good Christmas presents. Worksheets and sample student games included.

Rating:
Summary: A fun way to build analytical skills in children
Review: If you're looking for a creative way to spark elementary or junior high students' mathematical thinking, you'll love this book. The author begins by teaching the basic game of Nim, a Chinese folk game that's simple to learn but requires strategic thinking to win. Students analyze the game by working backwards and looking for patterns--good strategies for solving a variety of math problems. Then the students play several other games, in the process learning to recognize isomorphism (things that are basically the same, though they look different on the surface.) The unit of study climaxes with each student designing and packaging his own game, based on the principles of Nim. These finished games are sure to become family keepsakes, and they would also make good Christmas presents. Worksheets and sample student games included.