Algebra Game Design

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Quick Checks & Knowledge

WALT: We are learning to link algebraic expressions and equations to simple board-game mechanics.

Success Criteria: I can name game elements, write a simple algebraic rule for gameplay, and evaluate how changing a variable affects play.

1. In a game rule "move = 2x + 3", what does the variable x most likely represent?

Number of players

Dice roll (random move)

Game board colour

2. If movement is given by 2x + 3 and a player rolls x = 4, how many spaces do they move?

3. Check all expressions that are linear (can be used for simple scoring rules):

3x + 2

x^2 + 5

7 − 2y

4. Which game-design element best matches "how players win"?

Objective

Feedback

Colour palette

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Calculations

5. Explain in one sentence how changing a variable in an equation (for example increasing x) could change player strategy in a board game.

6. Create a simple scoring rule using one variable (example format: Score = 5n − 2). Write your rule and explain what the variable represents.

7. Work out this example: A player's final score is S = y − 5. If y = 12, calculate S. Show your working.

8. Exit ticket — write one thing you learnt about how algebra can be part of games and one idea you want to try in your group game.

🎨 Part 3: Design Activity (Sketch & Rule)

9. Sketch a simple board or game tile and label where a variable will affect play (for example: resource amount, number of moves, or score). Then write the algebraic rule you'll use (use letters for variables).

Differentiation: Use vocabulary cards and sentence starters if needed. Ask for teacher support to scaffold the algebra. Advanced learners can add a second variable or a quadratic rule for a special space.

Extension: Try converting your linear scoring rule into a quadratic rule for a "power-up" tile, or propose how to model score changes over five turns.