BEAT THE CALCULATOR

Materials:
  • a calculator
  • a penny or a random-number generator (optional)
  • 1 Fact Power Table (Game Master 7) (optional)
Number of Players:
Three (3)
Directions:
One player is the "Caller," a second player is the "Calculator," and the third is the "Brain."

The "Caller" selects a fact problem by dropping a penny on Game Master 7 or by using a random-number generator to create an addition-fact problem.  The "Calculator" then solves the problem with a calculator while the "Brain" solves it without a calculator.  The "Caller" decides who got the answer first.

Players trade roles every 10 turns or so.

NOTE:

This game effectively makes the point that, for many easy problems, mental calculation beats the calculator.  Over time, children should develop good judgment about when to estimate and when to use calculators, mental arithmetic, or paper and pencils.