Nubble Express
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
Nubble! and Nubble! Express
What fun! This program is easy to use and will engage even the most reticent thinker in manipulating numbers to get the best score. I have used it with students of different abilities in the classroom either as an interactive whiteboard activity, in small groups or individually. Every way has been a success. The Express version has allowed even those who find number work difficult to complete a game within a reasonable period of time so there is no chance to get bored. The Express version has also been used as a starter and plenary, students using the numbers to find what alternative answers there are and which would give the best score.
This is what one of my students has to say:
My name is: Katie.
What I thought about the game: I found it really enjoyable to play, I mainly played against the computer, and won. It’s a really marvellous game to play.
How it has helped me: It helps me to use different multiplication (e.g 4 2 3, you could do 4+3=7+2=9 it is a great way to learn.) and made my brain develop a lot since I have played the game.
Katie is a Y9 special needs pupil who is operating at the age of a seven year old, she does not like working independently - except on Nubble! She asks for it every lesson.
What is the game and how do you get a Nubble? The Express game consist of up to four players rolling three five sided dice to generate whole numbers between 1 and 25 using all four operations and brackets with the aim to cross the board from bottom left to top right. (Other versions have four dice and numbers up to 100). Points for right answers are awarded according to the position of the chosen answer counter on the board. Points range from 10 for 1 to 6 up to 200 points for 23, 24 or 25. In addition there are 50 points for completing a triangle of numbers and this is doubled if the triangle with is completed with a prime number.
As players become more experienced they get more proficient at finding alternative combinations of numbers to make the higher scoring numbers or to block an opponent. Thinking skills are developed with respect to manipulating numbers and strategies, and, if used as a team game, cooperation. There is also the option to turn on the timer, so once the skills are mastered there is still a challenge to be met. There are three difficulty levels and the option to play solo or against the computer, making it ideal for a single user either at home or school.
Loading the program caused no problems and the instructions were easy to follow although, as a teacher, I would like to be able to print out a set of the rules to help users who find reading difficult. Also, students with vision problems would appreciate not having to read yellow text on a dark blue background. It is possible to make a copy using Print Screen, but this will have a blue background.
This is the only downside in what is a really good resource and the price represents really good value both for school and home use, even at the single user price.
Single user licence £20 + VAT
2 - 29 users £40 + VAT
30 - 59 users £60 + VAT
60-89 or more users £80 +VAT
90-119 users £100 + VAT
120+ users £120 + VAT
Enhanced site licence £240 + VAT
Enhanced licences includes home use by teachers and pupils
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