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You've Got Game!

 

Subject: Mathematics
Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

 

Brief Description

Students create new games that conform to specific, pre-set conditions.

Objectives

Students practice problem-solving skills.

Keywords

basketball, problem solving, critical thinking

Materials Needed

Basketball Hall of Fame

Lesson Plan

  • Invite students to visit the Basketball Hall of Fame online and read about the history of the game.
  • Point out that James Naismith set out to create a game that met certain conditions: It had to be a game that could be played indoors in winter and provide strenuous physical activity for a group of unruly boys.
  • Explain to students that they are going to create new games that meet specific conditions they set up. Suggest some possible conditions, such as a game on snowshoes, a racquet game played in water, an indoor team game using two beanbags, a field game using a fishing net and a Frisbee.
  • Organize students into small groups and ask each group to create a game. Tell students they must describe how the game is played as well as the game's objectives, equipment, playing area, and rules.
  • Play as many of the new games as possible.

Assessment

Evaluate students on their ability to create games that meet specific conditions and their ability to work together in groups.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Linda Starr

 

Originally published 03/19/2001
Last updated 03/17/2017