Game Time

What mathematics do game designers need to create their games?

Grade
9-12
Subjects
Math
Key Content
polygons, geometric transformations, video game design, geometry
A colorful pink, yellow and blue digital illustration of building-like shapes as seen from above.

Student teams create a video game in Scratch that incorporates geometric concepts of transformations. Teams develop game concepts and divide their game world into individual characters and objects, each to be programmed by a different team member. Students learn to write algebraic relationships that represent geometric transformations and  program games to incorporate polygons, non-polygons, and transformations that include translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations. Students engage in critique and revision during user testing with peers and produce a written manual for their game, accurately use key mathematics vocabulary to explain the game’s concept, structure, and how the transformations are used within the game.