Playing Games for Reviewing
Math Concepts
Susan Fife, Ed. D.
Houston Community College
GAME SHOW − 1 VS. THE CLASS
Modelled after 1 vs. 100
 Students are called at random to play
 If they answer correctly, they earn a math
point. − sticker. Place on exam for 1 point

1 vs. The Class
GAME SHOWS
1 VS The Class

Modelled after 1 vs. 100
Link to Game
Determine all possible
solutions to the
equation.
(x – 8)(x + 3) = 0
A
8, -3
B
-8, 3
C
It is impossible to determine
this
Ask the Class
The player selects
a single person
from the class to
answer. The player
can then either
agree or give their
own solution.
Poll the Class
All students are
given A, B, and C
cards. They hold
up the card that
they wish. The
player then makes
their choice.
Trust the Class
The class is polled.
The player must
select the answer
choice most given.
Ask the Class
Poll the Class
Trust the Class
Which expression is
equivalent to
x
2
19
x
A
1
17
x
B
-x17
C
x17
Ask the Class
Poll the Class
Trust the Class
Simplify. -60
A
1
B
-6
C
-1
Ask the Class
Poll the Class
Trust the Class
Find the product.
(x + 9)(5x – 1)
A
5x2 – 9x + 44
B
5x2 + 44x – 9
C
5x2 + 42x– 9
Ask the Class
Poll the Class
Trust the Class
GAME SHOW − PICK A CASE
Modelled after Deal or No Deal
 Students are called at random to play
 Students select a case at random. If they
answer correctly, they earn a point.

BOARD GAME
Link to Game
GAME SHOW − HOUSTON SQUARES
Modeled after Hollywood Squares
 Nine students act as celebrities
 The remainder of the students are arranged
into two teams.
 Students select a celebrity.
 The celebrity answers the question and the
player either agrees or provides another
answer.
 The first team to get either 3 O’s or 3 X’s in a
row wins that round.

BOARD GAME
Link to Game
GAME SHOW − TIC TAC MATH
Another Version of Hollywood Squares
 The Celebrities are Historical Figures
 Students are arranged into two teams.
 Students select a celebrity.
 The celebrity answers the question and the
player either agrees or disagrees another
answer.
 The first team to get either 3 O’s or 3 X’s in a
row wins that round.

BOARD GAME
Link to Game
GAME SHOW − WHO WANTS TO BE A
MATHEMATICIAN?
Modelled after Who Wants to be a Millionaire
 Students are called at random to play
 Students select a case at random. If they
answer correctly, they earn a point.

http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/mathquiz/
mathionaire.htm
Link to Game
GAME SHOW − JEOPARDY
Students participate as teams.
 One person at a time from each team comes
to the board.
 The team that wins the previous question,
selects the category and dollar amount for
the next question.
 Easy questions are worth less.

Link to Game
BOARD GAME
Math Knowledge
Similar to Trivial Pursuit
 2 to 4 Players
 Players move around a game board and
answer questions based upon the space they
land on.
 4 Categories = 4 Types of Math Knowledge
 The first player to earn all 4 types of
knowledge wins.

Search the internet for Learning Games or
Math Games
 Use popular board games or game shows as a
model
 Modify games to fit your purpose

Questions?
If you have questions or need help creating
your game, please contact me at
susan.fife@hccs.edu
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