Yes, We CAtaN Understand Probability

Author:
Susanna Molitoris-Miller
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Amy Hillen
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Volume/Issue:
Volume 114: Issue 2
Page(s):
132–138
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5951/MTLT.2020.0060
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Subjects:
Grade(s) or Audience, Grades 9-12, Math Topic, Probability/Data Analysis and Statistics, Expected Value, Statistics & Probability, Modeling, Other Topic, Connections, Problem Solving, Mathematical Practices, Model with mathematics

This article presents ways to explore mathematical concepts using Catan, a popular board game. After a brief overview of game play, we explore considerations with many potential entry points for mathematical modeling, such as which resource is the best, which resources will be rare or plentiful, where to build, and risk assessment.

Supplementary Materials

    • Appendix Catan Board Template (17.4 KB)
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Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12
Cover Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12

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  • Mayfair Games. 1996. Catan.

  • Molitoris-Miller, Susanna, and Amy Hillen. 2018. “Using Catan as a Vehicle for Engaging Students in Mathematical Sense-Making.” Special Interest Group of the Mathematical Association of America Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education. San Diego, CA: Mathematical Association of America.

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  • National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). 2010. Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Washington, DC: NGA Center and CCSSO. http://www.corestandards.org.

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  • Rieber, Lloyd P. 1996. “Seriously Considering Play: Designing Interactive Learning Environments Based on the Blending of Microworlds, Simulations, and Games.” Educational Technology Research and Development 44, no. 2 (June): 43–58.

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  • Szita, István, Guilaume Chaslot, and Pieter Spronck. 2010. “Monte-Carlo Tree Search in Settlers of Catan.” Advances in Computer Games, pp. 21–32. Berlin: Springer.

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Copyright:
© 2021 by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.
Page Count:
8
Article Category:
Research Article
Print Publication Date:
01 Feb 2021
Online Publication Date:
Feb 2021
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