Making Learning Math Facts Fun for Older Teens

Math is not easy. Even Keith Devlin, the "Math Guy" on National Public Radio, acknowledges that math is a hard subject -- but he goes on to say that using gaming and puzzles will improve learning. Instead of the same old drill, try using games that involve motion and interaction, puzzles that encourage logic, everyday situations that involve math reasoning and your teenager's digital technology proficiency to make learning math a lot more fun.

  1. Craps

    • Playing craps can reinforce algebraic concepts.

      Hand your teen a pair of dice and have her toss them onto a table. If the sum of the dice equals seven or 11, she wins and can keep rolling. If the sum equals two, three or 12, she loses. If she rolls any other number, that becomes the thrower̵7;s ̶0;point,̶1; and she throws the dice again. After the second throw, if her "point" or the number 11 comes up, she wins. Any other number loses. Ask your teen to write down the combinations derived from rolling the dice. Is there a pattern? Have her compute the probability of winning on a roll-by-roll basis, using the variables of the game -- winning numbers, losing numbers and the thrower̵7;s point.

    Magic Squares

    • Solving a magic square is a fun way to use algebra.

      A magic square is an array of integers in a square arranged so that the sum of each horizontal, vertical, and diagonal row is the same number -- known as the "magic constant." Your teen can solve a magic square by using the known number to find the missing numbers, as in algebra where you solve X or Y by using the known component. You can create magic squares with three, four or five columns and rows and using variables such as positive and negative integers to make it more challenging for your teen.

    Everyday Math

    • Compare the quantity and unit price to get the best deal.

      Strengthen your teenager̵7;s math strategy and reasoning skills by having her analyze, estimate and calculate common daily functions involving math. At a restaurant, have her figure out the tip -- without using her cellphone calculator. When she fills up with gas, have her figure out the miles per gallon. On a car trip, let her estimate the amount of time it will take to get there using variables such as distance, speed and number of stops. At a grocery store, she can be in charge of comparison shopping by comparing quantity and unit price.

    Digital Technology

    • Your teenager can use technology to practice math.

      Your teenager's cellphone, computer or hand-held gaming device keep her connected to her world, but they can also connect her to a wide array of math games, making these devices a viable and valuable learning tool. The Federation of American Scientists concur, stating that video games teach strategic thinking and problem-solving. FAS President Henry Kelly says that video games can teach higher order thinking skills and are engaging to today̵7;s kids who have grown up with technology. There are math video games like "Dragonbox," a multi-platform algebra game, as well as apps such as "Brain Tuner" to practice math skills.

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