Multiplication Mania: Design Your Own Board Game!
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a fun and engaging board game that helps players master multiplication facts and demonstrates real-world applications of multiplication?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use a game to help us learn multiplication facts?
- What makes a game fun and engaging?
- How can we design a game that is both fun and educational?
- How can multiplication be used in the real world?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to fluently multiply numbers using various strategies.
- Students will be able to apply multiplication facts to real-world scenarios.
- Students will be able to design a board game with clear rules, objectives, and engaging elements.
- Students will be able to explain the mathematical concepts within their board game.
- Students will be able to test and refine their board game based on feedback.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of game design principles, including balance, challenge, and reward.
- Students will enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through game design and playtesting.
- Students will improve their collaboration and communication skills by working in teams to design and develop their board game.
- Students will demonstrate creativity and innovation in their game design.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMultiplication Mania: The Board Game Pitch
Simulate a game design company where students are divided into teams to pitch their initial board game ideas to a panel of 'investors' (teachers/community members). Each pitch must highlight the game's multiplication focus, target audience, and unique selling points, fostering collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Multiplication Strategy Bootcamp
Students will begin by practicing multiplication facts using various strategies (e.g., repeated addition, arrays, number lines). They will record their work and identify the strategies that work best for them.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multiplication strategy journal with examples of each strategy and personal reflections.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to fluently multiply numbers using various strategies.Multiplication in the Real World
Students will explore real-world scenarios where multiplication is used (e.g., calculating costs, scaling recipes, measuring areas). They will solve problems and document how multiplication is applied in each scenario.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of real-world multiplication problems with solutions and explanations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to apply multiplication facts to real-world scenarios.Game Design Blueprint
Students will brainstorm and outline the basic elements of their board game, including the theme, objective, target audience, and unique mechanics. They will create a detailed game proposal.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive board game proposal outlining all key elements of the game.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to design a board game with clear rules, objectives, and engaging elements; Students will demonstrate an understanding of game design principles, including balance, challenge, and reward.Prototype Playtest
Students will develop a prototype of their board game, including the game board, cards, and rules. They will playtest the game and gather feedback for improvements.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA playable board game prototype with a feedback report.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to explain the mathematical concepts within their board game; Students will be able to test and refine their board game based on feedback.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMultiplication Board Game Design Rubric
Understanding and Application of Multiplication Strategies
This category assesses the student's understanding of multiplication strategies, the accuracy of their examples, and the depth of their personal reflections.Understanding of Multiplication Strategies
The journal demonstrates a thorough understanding of various multiplication strategies.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe journal includes detailed explanations and examples of multiple multiplication strategies (repeated addition, arrays, number lines, etc.), demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of each.
Proficient
3 PointsThe journal includes clear explanations and examples of several multiplication strategies, showing a good understanding of each.
Developing
2 PointsThe journal includes basic explanations and examples of a few multiplication strategies, showing some understanding of each.
Beginning
1 PointsThe journal includes limited or unclear explanations and examples of multiplication strategies, showing minimal understanding.
Accuracy and Relevance of Examples
The journal provides clear and accurate examples of each multiplication strategy.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe journal provides multiple, varied, and error-free examples of each strategy, demonstrating sophisticated application and accuracy.
Proficient
3 PointsThe journal provides accurate and relevant examples of each strategy, demonstrating effective application.
Developing
2 PointsThe journal provides examples of each strategy, but some may contain errors or lack clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe journal provides limited, inaccurate, or irrelevant examples of each strategy, showing poor application.
Personal Reflection
The journal includes thoughtful reflections on the effectiveness of each strategy for the student.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe journal includes insightful and detailed reflections on the effectiveness of each strategy, demonstrating a deep understanding of personal learning preferences and mathematical reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsThe journal includes clear and thoughtful reflections on the effectiveness of each strategy, showing a good understanding of personal learning preferences.
Developing
2 PointsThe journal includes some reflections on the effectiveness of each strategy, but they may be superficial or lack depth.
Beginning
1 PointsThe journal includes minimal or no reflections on the effectiveness of each strategy, showing little self-awareness of learning preferences.
Application to Real-World Scenarios
This category assesses the student's ability to apply multiplication facts to real-world scenarios and clearly explain their reasoning.Real-World Relevance
The problems are based on realistic scenarios.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe problems are highly creative, realistic, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of real-world applications of multiplication.
Proficient
3 PointsThe problems are realistic and demonstrate a clear understanding of real-world applications of multiplication.
Developing
2 PointsThe problems are somewhat realistic and demonstrate a basic understanding of real-world applications of multiplication.
Beginning
1 PointsThe problems are unrealistic or do not demonstrate an understanding of real-world applications of multiplication.
Accuracy of Solutions
The solutions are accurate and demonstrate a clear application of multiplication facts.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe solutions are completely accurate, efficient, and demonstrate a sophisticated application of multiplication facts.
Proficient
3 PointsThe solutions are accurate and demonstrate a clear application of multiplication facts.
Developing
2 PointsThe solutions are mostly accurate but may contain minor errors or demonstrate a basic application of multiplication facts.
Beginning
1 PointsThe solutions are inaccurate or do not demonstrate a clear application of multiplication facts.
Clarity of Explanations
The explanations clearly articulate how multiplication is applied in each scenario.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanations are exceptionally clear, insightful, and thoroughly articulate how multiplication is applied in each scenario.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanations are clear and articulate how multiplication is applied in each scenario.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanations are somewhat clear but may lack detail or clarity in articulating how multiplication is applied in each scenario.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanations are unclear or do not articulate how multiplication is applied in each scenario.
Game Design and Planning
This category assesses the student's ability to design a board game with clear elements and an understanding of game design principles.Clarity of Game Elements
The proposal clearly outlines the game's theme, objective, and target audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe proposal presents an exceptionally creative and well-defined game theme, objective, and target audience that are perfectly aligned and highly engaging.
Proficient
3 PointsThe proposal clearly and effectively outlines the game's theme, objective, and target audience.
Developing
2 PointsThe proposal outlines the game's theme, objective, and target audience, but some elements may lack clarity or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsThe proposal does not clearly outline the game's theme, objective, or target audience.
Originality of Mechanics
The proposal presents unique and engaging game mechanics.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe proposal presents exceptionally innovative and well-integrated game mechanics that enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe proposal presents unique and engaging game mechanics.
Developing
2 PointsThe proposal presents some game mechanics, but they may lack originality or engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsThe proposal does not present clear or engaging game mechanics.
Understanding of Game Design
The proposal demonstrates an understanding of game design principles (balance, challenge, reward).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe proposal demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of game design principles and how they contribute to a balanced, challenging, and rewarding gameplay experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe proposal demonstrates an understanding of game design principles, including balance, challenge, and reward.
Developing
2 PointsThe proposal shows some awareness of game design principles, but their application may be inconsistent or superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsThe proposal does not demonstrate an understanding of game design principles.
Prototype Development and Feedback
This category assesses the student's ability to create a playable board game prototype and gather meaningful feedback for improvements.Prototype Completeness
The prototype is playable and includes all necessary components (board, cards, pieces).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype is exceptionally well-crafted, fully playable, and includes all necessary components with high-quality design and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsThe prototype is playable and includes all necessary components (board, cards, pieces).
Developing
2 PointsThe prototype is mostly playable but may be missing some components or have flaws in its construction.
Beginning
1 PointsThe prototype is not playable or is missing significant components.
Clarity of Rules
The game rules are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game rules are exceptionally clear, concise, and easy to understand, leaving no room for ambiguity and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game rules are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe game rules are somewhat clear but may contain some ambiguity or be difficult to understand.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game rules are unclear, confusing, or incomplete.
Quality of Feedback
The feedback report demonstrates thoughtful analysis and identifies areas for improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe feedback report demonstrates exceptional insight and provides detailed, actionable recommendations for improving the game.
Proficient
3 PointsThe feedback report demonstrates thoughtful analysis and identifies areas for improvement.
Developing
2 PointsThe feedback report identifies some areas for improvement but may lack depth or specific recommendations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe feedback report is superficial or does not identify clear areas for improvement.