Ducking and dividing
Why play this game?
This game provides a motivating context in which learners can practise their times tables. Rather than being given a single question to answer, the set-up of the game means that children will be rehearsing many times tables facts, looking for patterns and performing many mental calculations.
The game also presents a fantastic opportunity for children to become more resilient mathematicians as they strive to better their score. A resilient learner knows that they do not have to struggle alone but can collaborate with their partner (see below), so that the struggle is manageable. Part of becoming resilient is knowing that you are being challenged, but not too much. (For further information about developing resilience, see the article Getting into and staying in the Growth Zone.)
Possible approach
Ideally, learners will have access to computers or tablets, which they can use in pairs. Having two children tackle the game together will really help them succeed, as one can be 'in charge' of the controls, while the other helps to look out for numbers to avoid.
Give learners plenty of time to play the game several times, as it is only after immersing themselves in it that they can begin to fully understand how it works and eventually to think more strategically. You could encourage pairs to share ways of approaching the game with the whole group, so that each pair could decide to adopt another pair's way of working.
Key questions
What do you know about multiples of 2? ... multiples of 3? etc.
What are you focusing on at the moment? Why?
Possible extension
Children can be encouraged to better their score each time they play, so they are not necessarily competing against others. The 'Settings' menu allows you to increase the 'goal'. The default setting offers opportunity for learners to practise the 2 to 12 times tables, whereas higher levels offer up to 20 or even 100!
Possible support
The 'Settings' menu can be used to slow everything down - the rate at which fuel cells and alien ships appear decreases, and so does the speed at which alien ships move.