The World's Oldest Subtraction Game

Who Knew Subtraction Was A Contact Sport ????

OK, not real contact, but more fun than most recess games.

NIM and nim-like games have existed ever since – well.... ever since games. The beauty of nim-like games lies in their physical simplicity (a pile of pebbles or pennies, and easy rules) and their mathematical complexity.

From simple (but sometimes frustrating) subtraction strategy to complex number theory and computer code generation, NIM is a great game for Kindergarten (take away) through high school (binary number systems & computer programming) students.

“NIM” challenges students to think ahead (or maybe thinking backwards would help) as they remove (subtract) pebbles, seashells, pennies or other 'markers” from distinct piles.

Their goal is to leave just one “marker” for the other player to remove. The person who removes the last marker “looses."

But nobody looses as they stretch their mathematical thinking and begin to develop an algorithm or strategy for winning.

You can access a FREE DOWNLOAD of several versions of the game along with instructions and differentiation strategies here:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Worlds-Oldest-Subtraction-Game-Number-Theory-Number-Sense-Fun

After your students use and learn from it, a quick shout here and/or on my Teachers Pay Teachers page would be appreciated.

Differentiated Instruction ideas are included for students from emerging math students in Kindergarten through gifted 7th & 8th graders.

This challenge activity is a great tool for:
Teaching specific math skills.
Allowing students to develop and test number theories.
Math Centers
The day your principal wants to observe you presenting a Challenging differentiated math lesson to a mixed ability classroom.

Teach– Model – Then sit back and watch students have fun learning and sharing what they know and discover, with each other.

See my stuff at:

Pinterest and TeachersPayTeachers

Be Well And Teach (Nah! -- Be Well & Help Students Learn)

Mark