Title: Villainy, Inc., Mission 1: The Golf of Mexico
Purpose: Comparing values and finding area
Grade level/TEKS Reference: 7th and up
7(2)Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning. The student adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides to solve problems and justify solutions. The student is expected to:
(B) use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems involving fractions and decimals;
7(4)Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student represents a relationship in numerical, geometric, verbal, and symbolic form. The student is expected to:
(B)graph data to demonstrate relationships in familiar concepts such as conversions, perimeter, area, circumference, volume, and scaling
7(9)Measurement. The student solves application problems involving estimation and measurement. The student is expected to:
(A)estimate measurements and solve application problems involving length (including perimeter and circumference) and area of polygons and other shapes;
Length of time necessary for Game: 1-3 class periods
Number of Participants: 1 player minimum
Source for Game:
http://villainyinc.thinkport.org/
Maryland Public Television
Directions:
Villainy, Inc is an animated story about Dr. Eugene Wick and his sidekick Platypus. Wick and "Platy" have ridiculously goofy plans to take over the world. For example, in Mission 1, Wick wants to turn the Gulf of Mexico into a golf course.
Your students will take on the role of an advisor to Dr. Wick's company, Villainy, Inc. Outwardly, they seem to go along with Wick's schemes. But, secretly, they are really working with the Anti-Villainy Unit (the AVU) as double agents, using their math skills to make sure Wick never succeeds.
Each story offers tongue-in-cheek dialogue along with comical animated characters and scenes that set the stage for mathematical success. In Mission 1, Dr. Wick wants to build a golf course in the Gulf of Mexico. Students have to solve at least three mathematical challenges to thwart Wicks' evil plans. Short animated segments advance the story and show how the mathematical challenges influence its outcome. Finally, students see one of three different endings, based on how correctly they answer the final math challenge. They also receive a rating of their success as a double-agent.
Students select two AVU helpers at the start of each Mission. Helpers each have different math strengths. For example, Garbanzo Al Dente is very good at estimation. You might want to introduce students to the helpers before starting a Mission. As they complete a Mission, students can also call on Deep Thought, AVU's resident genius, for assistance.
Mission 1: The Golf of Mexico has four mathematical challenges:
Finding Area: Find the course location and area
Choosing Material: Choose the building material
Hole Layout: Find number of holes on course
Admission Price: Create an admission price report
Variations: You can move the calculator around so that you can see your work. The answer turns green when it is correct.
Adapted by: Dr. Faye Bruun (2011)