Learning through Play
Lion cubs wrestle to sharpen hunting instincts, coyotes establish social rules through playful nips, and human children have their own games to improve our minds. Jeff has been working on a few games in which students learn history, basic probability, and business environments, all while trading cards and rolling dice. The games are designed to recycle left over materials from other games, such as play money and dice.
Commodity
(2 to 6 players, 30 minutes to 1 hour to play)
This game teaches kids the principle that has ruled the markets for centuries: "buy low, sell high." Set in the early 1900s, Commodity shows the impact of anti-trust laws and the effects of putting restrictions on a free market to allow for greater fairness.
As advanced as that may sound, the game really boils down to trading money for cheap goods, waiting till the goods become more expensive, and selling them.
Corporation
(3 to 5 players, 1 to 2 hours to play)
Corporation is a game in which players buys stocks in companies and try to pool their resources to make improvements. Along with principles of following stocks in the market making profits and losses, players learn the cooperation through which business thrives.
Game packets come with card sheets ready to cut out, boards, and instruction sheets, all for $3. For $2 more, Jeff will include the necessary odd dice (eight-, ten-, or twelve-sided) that you might not have lying around.
Jeff would be happy to demonstrate these games in person at your school or library. See the visits page for more information.
for more game information.