Explain this
Nubble! and Nubble Express!
How the publisher describes it:
“Nubble! is the software version of the maths boardgame, also known as Number Quest. Summary of the Rules Players take turns to throw four dice and, using the numbers thrown, generate a whole number between 1 and 100.”
Review by Julie Millard
In brief:
The variable features of the game make it suitable for a broad age and ability range from children to adult alike. The software can be equally useful at home or in the classroom where it could be used by individuals, in a small group situation or as a learning tool for the whole class.
“A clear advantage of the game is the flexibility”
When I first looked at the packaging of ‘Nubble Express’ I thought it looked like a mathematical version of the TV series ‘Blockbusters’. The object of the game is very similar; it finishes when there is a continuous path of counters from hexagon 1 to hexagon 25. The winner is the player with the highest score at the end of the game.
On first inspection the rules of the game appeared complex but a closer examination confirmed that they were clear, informative and easy to follow. Players take turns to throw three dice and combine their scores, using any of the four operations to generate a whole number between 1 and 25. For example: (3 + 4) x 2 = 14. The generated number must use all three thrown numbers once, but operations can be used in any combination. This is a major advantage of the game as it opens up numerous possibilities for totals from any thrown three dice.
Having decided how to make a number, whose hexagon is not already covered by a counter, the player clicks that number on the playing board and it is covered by a counter of their colour. Players score points depending on which number they have chosen; numbers are banded in colour zones with the highest numbers scoring most points. Players also have the opportunity to score bonus points by covering adjacent numbers as well as prime numbers. The scoring system is not too complex and is quickly learnt.
A clear advantage of the game is the flexibility within the parameters of the game; it can be played solo, against the computer or with up to four players. There are three levels of difficulty with an additional option of playing against the clock, altering the time limit if desired.
I would recommend introducing the rules gradually, especially with children as it is not initially crucial to have a detailed knowledge of all of the rules to begin playing the game. For example, a younger child who lacks knowledge of the concept of prime numbers need only understand that the numbers highlighted gain more points.
Following my own enjoyable time spent playing ‘Nubble Express’, I decided to introduce my 9 year old daughter to the game and gain an opinion of the software from a child’s perspective. I was pleasantly surprised that a child who admits to lacking confidence generally with mathematics, could gain so much pleasure from the software. The enjoyment and fun gained from playing the game detracted from the realisation that we were actually practising many mathematical concepts. Discovering the different potential combinations and using that information to achieve the highest possible score, promoted many mathematically rich conversations. Her closing statement of ‘I could play this game every night’, confirmed the enjoyment gained whilst practising and reinforcing many skills.
The game definitely improves and reinforces many mathematical skills; those of communication and the use of mathematical vocabulary as well as reasoning and problem solving skills. It encourages discussion and explanation of successful strategies and alternative possible totals. Some valuable discussions with children yielded realisations such as the fact that throwing low numbers does not necessarily mean that your reward will be low.
The variable features of the game make it suitable for a broad age and ability range from children to adult alike. The software can be equally useful at home or in the classroom where it could be used by individuals, in a small group situation or as a learning tool for the whole class.
Although I appreciate that maths can be fun, using this software helped to emphasise that notion with children.
Julie Millard • Newly Qualified Teacher, Irthlingborough Junior School, Northamptonshire
CD-ROM
Publisher: Virtual Image Publishing Ltd (2005)
ISBN-10: 1901579204
