Game Activity: "Equation Adventure" - Solving Multi-Step Equations
Target Audience: High School Students (Algebra 1 & 2)
Objective: Students will practice solving multi-step equations using basic algebraic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, and distribution).
Materials Needed:
Whiteboard or chalkboard
Markers or chalk
Printed "Equation Cards" (cards with different multi-step equations written on them)
Timer (for added challenge)
Dice (for selecting difficulty level)
"Treasure Chest" (a box or container with rewards or points)
Setup:
1. Classroom Setup: Arrange students into small groups (3–4 students per group). Each group will
have access to "Equation Cards" (pre-prepared with multi-step equations).
2. Timer: Set a timer (2-3 minutes per round) to encourage quick thinking and decision-making.
Game Rules:
1. Objective of the Game:
o Students must solve multi-step equations correctly to earn points and progress along the
"Equation Adventure" board.
o The group with the most points at the end of the game wins.
2. Steps to Play:
o Step 1: Choose Difficulty: Each team rolls a dice to determine the difficulty of the
equation for that round.
1-2: Easy (Simple multi-step equations)
3-4: Medium (Involving distributive property or combining like terms)
5-6: Hard (Equations with variables on both sides, fractions, or decimals)
o Step 2: Draw an Equation Card: The teacher selects a card for each team, with a multi-
step equation based on the difficulty level. Example equations could include:
Easy: 2x+5=152x + 5 = 152x+5=15
Medium: 3(x−2)+4=193(x - 2) + 4 = 193(x−2)+4=19
Hard: 23(x−4)+5=12\frac{2}{3}(x - 4) + 5 = 1232(x−4)+5=12
o Step 3: Solve the Equation:
Each team works together to solve the equation on their own whiteboard or
paper. They must show all their work.
Teams have 2-3 minutes to solve the equation.
The first team to correctly solve the equation and write down their answer gets
to present their solution to the class.
o Step 4: Points & Rewards:
If a team solves the equation correctly, they earn points based on the difficulty
of the equation:
Easy: 10 points
Medium: 20 points
Hard: 30 points
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins a "treasure" (e.g.,
extra credit, a small prize, or the title of "Equation Masters").
o Step 5: Next Round: The game continues with the teams selecting another equation
card for the next round. The teams take turns choosing difficulty and solving equations.
Equation Examples:
Easy:
3x−7=113x - 7 = 113x−7=11
2x+4=122x + 4 = 122x+4=12
Medium:
4(x+3)=204(x + 3) = 204(x+3)=20
2(x−5)+8=182(x - 5) + 8 = 182(x−5)+8=18
Hard:
34(x+2)=9\frac{3}{4}(x + 2) = 943(x+2)=9
2(x+5)−4=3x−72(x + 5) - 4 = 3x - 72(x+5)−4=3x−7
Game Variations:
1. Team Challenge: Instead of just one group solving an equation at a time, you could turn it into a
"race" where multiple teams work on different equations simultaneously. The team that finishes
first, with the correct solution, gets the points.
2. Timed Challenge: Use a timer for each equation round. If a team answers correctly before the
timer runs out, they earn extra points.
3. Equation Relay: For larger classes, you can turn it into a relay race where students take turns
solving different steps of a multi-step equation. Each team member must contribute to solving
one part of the equation before passing it on.
Learning Outcome:
Cognitive Goal: Students will practice and reinforce their skills in solving multi-step equations,
focusing on operations like combining like terms, using the distributive property, and isolating
the variable.
Skill Development: This activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and quick thinking.
Motivation & Engagement: By making solving equations into a competitive and fun game,
students are more likely to engage with the material, enjoy the process, and retain the methods
used.
Assessment:
Formative: Throughout the game, the teacher can walk around and observe students' methods
for solving equations. The teacher will provide feedback and correct any misconceptions.
Summative: After the game, students can be given a quiz or worksheet with similar multi-step
equations to solve individually, demonstrating their understanding of the concepts practiced in
the game.
Conclusion:
"Equation Adventure" is a fun and interactive game that encourages students to practice solving multi-
step equations while promoting teamwork and quick problem-solving. It provides both motivation and a
deeper understanding of algebraic techniques in an engaging classroom environment.
