Quadrilaterals Game

Why play this game?

This game fits in well into a unit of work on the properties of polygons, that could also include the problems Property Chart and Shapely Pairs She analyses what goes on when geometrical mathematical games are used as a pedagogic device.

These are the headings from the article:

Learning
A game can generate an unreasonable amount of practice
Geometric games create a context for using geometric reasoning
A game will often result in the making of generalised statements
A game can allow the introduction of ideas that are difficult to develop in other ways.
Games seem to be able to lead pupils to work above their normal level

Ways of working
A game leads pupils to talk mathematics
A game can create discussion of all kinds
Games put pressure on players to work mentally
A game does not define the way in which a problem is to be solved or worked out
A game often can be played at more then one level

Pupil experience
It is acceptable to learn the rules of a game gradually
Games are played in a context in which there is usually unthreatening help available
The pieces used in a game are concrete objects
A game allows a pupil to hide until he feels confident