Working with numbers improves concentration, problem solving skills,

memory, focus and general clarity of thought. And there is great news

for gamers young and old! Video and computer games are rich with

numbers! I have done some research to hone in on the games that

utilize math skills to a greater extent.

Computer Games are generally less expensive and a bit more versatile.

They are usual sought after by a slightly younger audience. By younger

I am referring to school age children. being that a very large portion

of video game users are adult males! So I will start with a review of

a couple of math focused computer games that I feel are of good quality.

Math Munchers Deluxe by The Learning Company reinforces math skills

by encouraging problem solving through gaming in areas of whole numbers,

decimals, factors and simple geometry. Mighty Math by Edmark teaches

geometry concepts using math and and problem solving-solving skills.

Students explore attributes of shapes and solids, constructions and

transformations, 2D and 3D coordinates, and the relationships between

length, perimeter, area, and volume. Teaching Pro: Middle and

Highschool Math by Mathsoft has comprehensive coverage to insure

students learn math concepts and understand how math is utilized in

the real world. The program includes focus in Basic Math, Pre-Algebra,

Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, and Trigonometry. It meets mandated

curriculum standards in all states!

There are many math focused games readily available online. Suduko

revolves around attempting to fill in a grid so that each line contains the

numbers one through nine only once. This games is a widely known

addictive brain teaser. It is a great game for sharpening math skills and

is available for free on numerous websites and downloadable for your cell

phone! Timez Attack is real video game created by the same engineers

who have worked on Play Station games. The object of the game is to

your way through the dungeon maze and foil those who would get in your

way. You will develop your math skills while defeating a host of challenging

obstacles and characters. The base version of this game is free at big online.

The full length version is also available.

Nintendo offers a game called Math Play for the DS. This game encourages

the player to create equations in four different game modules by arranging

numbered cards. There are a variety of difficulty levels. There is also

competitive multiplayer action and addictive puzzle play.

Donkey Kong Jr. Math has received mixed reviews. By mixed I mean not

so great. It is one of the only math specific games however, that my search

turned up for GameCube or Wii. When dealing with the game consoles,

such as PS2, Gamecube or Wii I would choose puzzle games which are

more abundant and tend to require math skill.

Working with numbers keeps many of our skills sharp including problem

solving and improves general clarity of thought. Video and computer games

are rich with numbers whether they are geared to be a math games or not.

Research has brought a few games that focus on math to the surface so

they might catch your eye more easily in the future!