Collection: Math & STEM Games

Math. Does that word bring a smile to your face or make you want to run into a corner and hide? Your experiences in school with math have probably solidified your answer to that question. As a teacher, it is my job to make sure that those early experiences with math are positive and make all my students smile! I accomplish this by making math fun.

From a very early age, children start to learn about math without even knowing it. Putting shapes into a shape sorter, placing pieces into a puzzle, and adding berries on a string are all ways that we can introduce math to toddlers and preschoolers. Children learn math best by touching and physically “doing” math. In my classroom when we learn about shapes, we build shapes and angles out of straws and twist ties. We demonstrate what a polygon is by lying on the ground and making one out of our bodies. We add physical activity to math by doing jumping jacks when we answer our math facts. These activities make math fun. A common misconception about math is that it is all rote memorization of numbers and topics. This is not the case!

Students who understand what math is and how it works have something called a strong “number sense.” Number sense refers to how well a child understands what a number is and what makes up a number. To learn how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, math needs to be a hands-on experience.

• The use of manipulatives in the classroom and at home can help with this. In this classroom, we use cubes, dice, base 10 blocks, and counters so that students can not only feel what numbers look like but can visualize the numbers as well.
• At home, this number sense practice can be achieved by playing games. In a game like SimplyFun’s Share a Berry, young learners practice counting, adding, and subtracting by moving berries on and off their strings. A simple everyday task like washing grapes can also easily turn into a math lesson for your young learners. As you are washing the grapes, count each one out loud and have your child place them on a paper towel. Pretend to hide a few grapes and count how many are left. Your child won’t even realize that they are doing math!
• Lastly, make sure to always have a positive attitude about math. There are so many new ways of doing math these days and your child is probably not learning the same way you did. That is okay! These new ways present the perfect opportunity for your child to be able to teach the topic to you, thus strengthening their understanding of the topic. When playing math games, don’t treat it as a chore, treat it as an opportunity for your family members to have time to learn and grow together, while having fun.

by Sara Lang, 3rd grade teacher, De Pere, Wisconsin.

As parents and educators, we always look for ways to make math an enjoyable and engaging experience for kids. Incorporating math and STEM board games into education can create a joyful, interactive environment that helps kids learn and fosters strong family connections. From building social skills to enhancing problem-solving abilities and making learning delightful, these mathematics games (board games included) are an excellent way to help children grasp math concepts more quickly. Let's dive into the advantages here:

1. Building Social Skills: Math board games are great for developing social connections as kids learn to communicate, negotiate, and work as a team. They also teach children to manage competition healthily, learn to win gracefully and handle losses well. 

2. Enhancing Problem-solving Abilities: These games challenge children with math problems in a relaxed environment, boosting their critical thinking and decision-making skills. This active engagement helps them consider logic, various strategies, and outcomes. 

3. Making Learning Fun: By making math less intimidating and more interactive, math board games for kindergarten and beyond increase engagement and motivation, leading to better math confidence, retention, and a lifelong interest in learning. 

Games that teach math have a unique ability to combine entertainment and education, creating an enjoyable learning atmosphere for kids. At SimplyFun, we're all about mixing learning with a lot of fun! Searching for unique math board game ideas or engaging games that involve math? We've covered everything, from critical thinking and problem-solving to reading, math, and social-emotional learning — all using play as an educational tool.

1. 15 to Zero: A Riveting Number Matching Adventure- 15 to Zero is designed to enhance operations and algebraic thinking. This game is perfect for 2nd graders and younger players to practice math operations like basic addition and subtraction in a dynamic, fun setting. (2-6 players)

2. Sumology: A Whirlwind of Equations- In Sumology, players use tiles to create valid equations, tapping into various math functions and exploring strategic options for maximum points. It develops strategic thinking and numerical understanding. (2+ players)

3. Team Digger: Cooperative Problem Solving- Team Digger merges math with essential social skills, making it ideal for 1st and 2nd graders. It focuses on sequential thinking and teamwork as players strategize and communicate to achieve their goals. (2-4 players) 

4. Kilter: Balancing Fun with Science- Kilter introduces players to physics concepts through the challenge of balancing blocks on a seesaw, offering a blend of science and fun that enhances spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. (2-4 players)

5. Cow Cents: Strategic Financial Planning- This game focuses on operations, algebraic thinking, and financial strategy. Cow Cents is a functional math game where players engage in resource management and strategic decision-making to accumulate wealth. (2-4 players)

6. Math Medalist: Double the Fun- Boost your child's multiplication and addition skills with this game that aligns with core math standards for 3rd and 4th graders. Math Medalist offers two types of gameplay in one package for diverse learning experiences. (2-4 players)

7. Math'd Potatoes: Fast-Paced Equation Solving- This fast-paced game requires players to solve equations quickly, promoting rapid thinking and problem-solving in a high-energy environment. Math'd Potatoes is aligned with core math standards for multiple grade levels. (2-4 players)

8. Acorn Paws: Division and Probability- In Acorn Paws, players learn division with remainders and explore probability concepts as they compete to gather acorns. This game sharpens division skills and strategic decision-making in a playful, competitive setting. (2-4 players)

9. Betcha Can't Win: Strategic Dice Game- This game enhances addition skills and strategic thinking as players use dice rolls to claim valuable cards. Board games like Betcha Can't Win encourage planning and foresight, engaging children in fun yet educational gameplay. (2-4 players)

10. Arctic Riders: Self-Check Math Game: This Arctic-themed self-check math game combines math practice with learning fun facts about Arctic animals. Suitable for children aged seven and up, it focuses on creating equations that feed treats to characters in the game. (2-4 players)

11. Math Room: Real-Life Math Challenge- Step into the shoes of an innkeeper, where quick addition and subtraction skills are crucial. Math Room promotes fast thinking and quick responses, ideal for an exciting educational experience. (2-4 players)

12. Owl Solve That!: Math Detective Game- In "Owl Solve That!", players become math detectives, using operations and problem-solving skills to match solution cards and score points. This game fosters critical thinking and enhances math proficiency in a detective-themed adventure. (2-4 players)

At SimplyFun, we believe in making learning enjoyable through play. Our games are crafted for quick sessions of 30 minutes or less, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. They are also designed to be adaptable, with adjustable difficulty levels and the option for customized rules to keep things exciting.

Dive into educational games that combine math skills with fun. Whether you're seeking math board games for middle school, functional math games for kindergarteners or math and science games to beat boredom and challenge young minds, SimplyFun offers something for everyone!

Math gets a bad rap for being a difficult school subject. However, is math really to blame? Or is a lack of PLAY in math learning the real culprit? At SimplyFun, we believe PLAY is the secret sauce for learning traditionally tricky subjects like math. We’ve discovered that children find math fun when it taps into their imagination and play instinct. That’s why creating cool math games is our jam!

“Math is cool,” to the child that feels confident exploring the math problems laid out before them. Yet, the reverse is true when children lack math confidence. So how do we make math cool to learn? With math games that make learning FUN!

Ready to Explore the Coolest Math Games that Encourage Less Screen Time? Game On!

Math games that are cool, even to your coolest tweens and teens

Math and spatial reasoning are essential skills for young adults and helps prepare them for lucrative opportunities in Math & STEM related careers. The following are fun games for math that help advance strategic thinking.

• Matter: Algebraic Thinking, Strategy, Predicting
• Shape Whiz: Geometry, Measurement
• Pelican Cove: Algebra, Spatial Reasoning, Quick Thinking
• Star Gazer: Operations, Algebraic Thinking, Patterning
• High Tail It!: Strategy, Predicting, Planning

The Go-To Math Games for Middle and Upper Elementary Kids

These games underscore foundational math skills while introducing more complex mathematical thinking that taps into creativity and imagination.

• Math’D Potatoes: Addition, Subtraction, Quick Thinking
• Front Runner: Algebra, Factors
• Walk the Dogs: Counting, Multiplication, Predicting
• Kilter: Physics, Fine Motor Skills, Planning
• Sumology: Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction, Division
• Mirror Mansion: Geometry, Memory

Fun Math Games for Early Learners

These games take the early learner on an adventure as they pick up foundational math and critical thinking skills along the way!

• Math Room: Addition, Subtraction, Quick Thinking
• Acorn Paws: Division with Remainders, Probability
• Shore Seekers: Addition, Early Multiplication
• Save the Pie: Early Physics, Teamwork & Collaboration
• Glow Spotters: Addition, Spatial Reasoning
• Whirly’s World: Numbers, Addition, Counting

Math Games Encourage Math Exploration

Cool math games allow children a playful way to learn complex math subjects. How do you know if you’ve got a cool math game on your hands? Easy! A cool math game is the one your children actually want to play! Building a passion for mathematics requires a fun approach that goes beyond rigorous memorization and repetition.

Math games are fun when games like Mirror Mansion, Walk the Dogs, and Math Medalist are added to the mix! How about math games with monsters? Oh yeah, we’ve got that too!

SimplyFun Math games are fun because they allow children to bypass their reservations about math and explore math with creative problem-solving and curiosity. World-renowned STEM researchers and mathematicians take on math problems in much of the same way!

“To me, mathematics, computer science, and the arts are insanely related. They’re all creative expressions.”—Sebastian Thrun, German innovator & computer scientist

So let’s ditch the math stigma, pick up a few fun games for math, and play our way to math confidence!

“I hate math!” “I don’t get it!” Parents hear these words all the time when they help with math homework. Here are a few things to consider when deciding if your child in elementary school needs additional math support. 

1. Can your child relate numbers to real amounts? Can your child look at an amount of jellybeans or blocks and make an approximate guess? For a group of 15 jellybeans, the child should guess 10 or slightly above, but not 30 or more. This demonstrates that your child knows what a number means in terms of amount. 

2. Can your child transform abstract concepts into concrete realities? What would your child say if you asked, “which is bigger ¼ or 1/3?” Your child should not respond that ¼ is more just because 4 is greater than 3. Your child should be able to draw a picture of a pie and show you why 1/3 is more than ¼. 

3. Does your child have difficulty understanding math symbols? Symbols such as ÷, =, <, >, ≠, and ≤ are abstractions of words that give instructions. Many children do not understand the symbols or confuse them. It’s a good idea to have your child read equations aloud to make sure there is no confusion. 

4. Does your child have difficulty with math facts? Many multiplication facts can be memorized, but children need to know the various ways numbers can be composed and decomposed. You can compose numbers in different ways. For example, 4+8 = 12 and 4X3 = 12. You can decompose as well. For example, the number 10 can be decomposed in two ways: 10 = 1 + 9 or 10= 3+ 7. 

5. Does your child have difficulty understanding story problems? Reading comprehension issues can make story problems challenging. In addition, children need to know how to group, merge, and order data to solve the problem. Children with impulsivity, lack of interest, low frustration tolerance, or inability to take different perspectives might struggle with these processes. 

Use the questions above to determine which issues are having an impact on your child’s ability to learn math. Ask your child to talk about a math problem and describe their thinking to see where the difficulty lies. Consider discussing your findings with your child’s teacher to see if they have any advice or additional resources for you. 

Practice at home using situations that require math, like dividing a pie, playing relevant games involving math, and letting your child make up problems for the rest of the family to solve. Make math practical and fun! 

By Dr Toni Linder 

Dr. Toni Linder is a leader in the field of early childhood development and early childhood special education. She’s also a member of our Play Advisory Council.

Have you heard the myth that girls are not good at math? Well, there’s a reason why it’s called a “myth.” It’s because it’s just not true. There can be no blanket statement that girls aren’t good at math, because math skills are influenced by genetics, culture, experience, upbringing, and attitudes. There is not much we can do about genetics, but the other four elements are adaptable.

1. Culture
   In many cultures around the world, such as India for example, girls are as skilled as boys in math and enter math-related jobs at a higher rate than the U.S. Research is also revealing that in the U.S. in programs where the math curriculum is motivating and relevant, there is no gender gap on math test scores. The current cultural push for students to do well in STEM courses is also resulting in more girls enrolling in higher level math classes in the upper grades.
   
   
2. Experience
   Experience is an important factor for math success, both at school and at home. A math curriculum that emphasizes memorization of math facts and uses speed tests makes math feel shallow and boring. Girls tend to like subjects that are more connected to real life and have depth of meaning. Schools need to examine their math curriculum to make learning math more relevant and stimulating.
   
   
3. Upbringing
   Parents may not have much influence over the math curriculum or teaching strategies, but they can have an impact on their daughter’s math experiences at home and in the community. Integrating math into everyday activities shows children the relevance of math and shows them that math is not just something you do in school. Activities such as how to divide slices of pizza, how to save money to buy a car, or even finding out how the electoral college works makes math relevant.
   
   
4. Attitude
   The final influence on girls and math is attitude. Attitudes of teachers and parents can greatly impact how girls feel about math. Teachers who say, “Math is just not your thing; you’re good at reading” are unknowingly killing the desire to learn and turning girls away from math. In the same way, parents who say, “I was never good at math either;” or “Ask your dad for help, he’s better at math” are sending a not-so-subtle message that girls are not expected to do well at math.
   
   

So, what can parents do? Even if the math your daughter brings home is above what you remember how to do, say, “Let’s figure it out together.” Include your daughter in discussions about money, whether it is about the budget, savings, retirement, or college. She needs to understand the practical aspects of knowing how to use math to solve problems in life.

Parents can also make learning math fun. Games are a great way to learn and use math skills. The most obvious games of numbers include cards and dice, but almost all board games include math elements such as counting, adding scores, and spatial reasoning. Some board games with numbers even have a particular focus on specific math skills.

Many SimplyFun games incorporate various math skills across the grades. For example, games for younger children, such as Digger’s Garden Match involve adding and subtracting and Cow Cents requires children to make change with money. For older children, games involve a broader range of math skills. Use SimplyFun’s shop page to help you find the math game that meets your specific needs.

Playing such games with your children allows parents to see how their children are approaching various aspects of math and support them in a non-threatening, non-school-related, enjoyable way. Parents can model how to look at a situation, help their child figure out the best solution, and reinforce the child’s abilities with the math skills involved in the game. Who knew? Math can be fun!

by Dr Toni Linder

Dr. Toni Linder is a leader in the field of early childhood development and early childhood special education. She’s also a member of our Play Advisory Council.

What is Sneaky Math? 

Math is an essential skill in life, yet many kids struggle with the formal math lessons taught in school and practiced at home. They can be stressful, overwhelming, and often boring. To overcome this while still strengthening your child’s foundational math skills, try what we call ‘sneaky math’ by sneaking in some math through gameplay. 

Sneaky Math games 

Sneaky math games practice fundamental math concepts in a fun, engaging way. They may not even need numbers to do it! We know that kids learn best through play, so when kids have fun practicing their skills, knowledge is more likely to stick and give them greater confidence at the same time. 

Here are a few sneaky math games from SimplyFun that will be sure to entertain while strengthening core math skills. 

Pelican Cove

Think fast to get your pelicans nested before time runs out in this fast-paced game. Each pelican has their own preferences on the other pelicans they want to nest by. Apply algebraic principles and spatial reasoning to try and make them all happy! Pelican Cove is for 1-5 players ages 8 and older and takes 30 minutes to play.