Developed by
Grayson H. Wheatley, Ph.D. and Michael Naylor, Ph.D.
 
The Distance Game develops numerous mathematics concepts in an enjoyable game format.

The Mathematics:
Number Sense
Decimals
Plotting points in the coordinate plane
Distance between coordinate points
Concept of Average
Thinking in units
Develops strategic reasoning
Pythagorean Theorem (advanced level)
Number theory (advanced level)  
 
Learning
In playing the game, students learn significant mathematics by constructing knowledge for themselves in an enjoyable setting. A significant feature of the Distance Game is the nature of learning that occurs. Rather than being told how to compare decimals they give meaning to 8.6 is a rich way.

Appeal
The game becomes addictive - children and adults have been observed playing the game for hours. Like chess it can be played at more and more advanced levels. It is accessible to elementary school students buy still challenging for adults.

See the description of the Distance Game mathematics in the Feature Essays section of this website.