Math Factor Game...kids love it!!

FACTOR RACING

I think it would be fun to have students pair up, with a partner, and race to finish factoring numbers on the dry erase boards. Students could keep score and see who can finished the fastest with getting the correct answer as I call out the numbers for them to factor. This seems like it would not only help them with factorization but also with their multiplication tables as well. Which my goodness, you would think 6^th graders would know their multiplication tables, or at least the easy ones: 2, 5, 10. This games seems perfect for our current unit since we are working on factoring, GMC, LCM, and square roots. I hope students find this fun and don’t even realize how much learning is actually being done.

            By allowing students to work, rather race, in pairs I think it would encourage them to keep going and not give up because if that one other person messes up then they still have a chance to earn the point. If I tried this in small groups of 4 I am scared that students wouldn’t try as hard or even pay close attention and learning would be lost. Every student will need their own dry erase board, a dry erase marker, and a klenex to erase their work. All other school supplies will need to be in their desk. As I call out numbers, I will also work the problem on my dry erase and show them the answer as soon as everyone has their answer worked out and their board raised. I think it would be great to include definitions that students need to know for their test, such as “define prime numbers” or “write three examples of a composite number on your board”. This game seems to be a great way for students to review material without reverting back to the boring ways of paper and pencil. As far as rules go, I think I would explain the game and then give the following rules to be followed while playing:

1.     Handwriting must be clear and easy to read.

2.     No fighting.

3.     ALWAYS try your best.

Maybe I’ll feel the need to add more as we’re playing but for right now this seems to suffice.

            All in all, I think that Factor Racing is a great game to get students working, actively participating, and thinking quickly to develop accurate answers. I also think there are some bonuses for me to this game because it allows me to assess what my students are learning, where they are confused, as well as help and correct any mistakes they are making. I can’t wait to see how this works!!