Discusses the use of games for teaching introductory physics. The elements of game design are reviewed, and sevel examples are described that illustrate different varieties of teaching games suitable for use by beginning physics students. Bibliography. (LC)

The first idea presented is an activity aimed at teaching students to reduce a fraction to lowest terms by looking for the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The second idea looks at ways to construct solution problems that are challenging but which do not bog pupils down. (MP)

Several educational computer games are described. The impact of these games on education is discussed as well as the future of educational computer games. (CJ)

Discusses research into the external validity of simulation games used in education, i.e., the degree to which the games correspond to the real-life situations they are designed to simulate. An exploratory study examines the validity of a business game and potential problems of validity research are examined. (JJD)

The proliferation of personal computers in home/schools and use of computer chips in educational toys has led to a rethinking of ideas about education and fun, and ways the two can combine to provide youngsters with enjoyable and profitable learning experiences. Provides examples of commercially available computer-oriented educational toys/games.…

Discusses a computer simulation (Energy Search) in which students manage their own factories. Provides an example of typical classroom interaction and comments on the nature of good computer simulations (those that teach skills and create an environment encouraging students to work together toward a common goal). (Author/JN)

Describes the game STRATAGEM and its usage by university students preparing for examinations. The game, which comprises questions coded by topic and level of complexity (recall, application, and inference), is designed to focus student attention on important content, foster accurate assessment of team potential, and encourage risk-taking.…

Describes how the new computer education simulation game, Big Business, which comprises four separate, related games, tries to overcome some of the limitations of present games. Special attention is given to one of these--Fast Freight--with mention of the basic design elements of a good business game. (EAO)

An adventure-type computer game in which treasure can be acquired by solving problems in ray optics is described. The program is shorter than most adventures and is designed to run in a 16-K Commodore PET microcomputer with tape cassette input. Program and documentation are available at cost from the author. (Author/JN)

Describes several games in which physics principles are demonstrated using students. These include Pirates Treasure Game (vectors), Three-Meter Dash (kinematics), Knee-Bend Game (energy and power), Wave Game, Reaction Kinematics, Statics-People Pyramids, and games demonstrating nuclear reactions, collisions, electrons in a wire, close packing, and…

The game of Yahtzee is discussed in terms of the various outcomes of turns in the game and their point values and the probabilities associated with achieving specific combinations of dice values. Several tables and methods of table construction are noted, and several challenge exercises are included. (MP)

Two exploratory studies of one aspect of the relation between problem solving in mathematics and the cognitive effects of games on mathematics learning are noted. Results indicated that problem solving and the playing of certain games involving mathematics are related. (MP)

A computerized toy, Big Trak, is used with first graders in combination with other activities as a tool in teaching directionality. It was also found useful in helping to prepare young children to use a much more advanced computer. A directionality program written in BASIC is included. (MP)

The use of backward mathematics is promoted as an enrichment strategy which gives pupils the opportunity to generate creative responses that explore many possibilities. It is felt that teachers will find the instructional method a worthwhile innovation, and a technique useful in any curricular area. (MP)

Program listing for a computer game on kinematics is provided. Documentation for the listing (in Microsoft BASIC) and rationale for using computer games in the classroom are also provided. (JN)