PROCEEDINGS OF THE 22ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2019
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Learning through play: Using Catan in an inquiry-oriented probability classroom
Page: 445
Research has documented the power of play to affect learning at all ages. This research shares the kinds of mathematical student thinking elicited by incorporating the board game Catan into an inquiry-based classroom. The class was composed of 25 students, not majoring in STEM fields, who were enrolled in a freshman seminar course intended to provide an opportunity to engage in research-like inquiry. Students had played Catan in class and to engaged inquiry-oriented instruction sessions focusing on the relationships between mathematics and Catan. Student work is provided for arguments related to the value of each resource and selecting locations for initial settlements, with connections between this work and topics traditionally taught in probability classes