Games Played

Mathematics, language arts, and social studies are the core subjects of the games. The New Orleans Academic Games League offers Equations, On-Sets, Propaganda, Presidents, and Current Events competitions.

EQUATIONS

EQUATIONS is the Game of Creative Mathematics. The game of Equations teaches Algebraic concepts, ranging from the six basic operations (+, -, x, ÷, ^, √) at the beginning to very sophisticated math at the high school levels.

A numerical Goal is set by one player using a few of the cubes rolled. Then, players must form a Solution equal to the Goal from the remainder of the 24 cubes rolled (the Resources). For example, the Goal might be 2^5 (2 to the fifth power, 32). A Solution might be (5×5)+8-1. This would be a simple example, but as players advance in mathematical abilities and grade level, the Goals and Solutions become increasingly more complex.

ON-SETS

In this game, students learn the mathematics of set theory and Boolean logic.

One player sets out several cards, each with a unique combination of colored dots on their faces. These cards are called the Universe. Another player rolls the cubes and sets a numerical Goal (such as 5). The objective of the game is to figure out a way to name a group of the specified number of cards from the Universe using the remaining color, operation, and Restriction cubes.

PROPAGANDA

Students are tasked with recognizing various techniques of persuasion taken from real-life advertisements, political approaches, and everyday human interaction. Players increase their ability to discern the truth from “smokescreens”; they learn to figure out the reality of situations rather than getting duped by faulty logic. Players begin to think analytically.

PROPAGANDA is a question-and-response game. The actual play of the game is simple. A central moderator reads an example of a radio ad, a political speech, a commercial, or a regular conversation, and the player must decide which propaganda technique is being used. For example, “I did poorly in algebra, but the course was just too difficult, and the instructor did not like me.” The technique used in this example is Rationalization—making an excuse for a past failure.

PRESIDENTS

Players must know about the cultural and political events of the U.S. Presidents. They learn to assimilate all of these different facts into a unified whole for a better understanding of how the United States government has worked in different historical times.

PRESIDENTS is another question and response game, like Propaganda. Players are given a range of Presidents they may consider for their answer. For each question in a round, a central reader gives a series of three clues about one of the presidents, pausing after each clue. When all three clues have been read, players reveal their answers and wait for the correct answer to be announced. To master the game, students must study and have a firm grasp of American History and the Presidents of the United States.

CURRENT EVENTS*

While preparing for and playing CURRENT EVENTS, students learn about the major political and cultural events of the most recent calendar year. They become aware of what is happening around them throughout the world. The knowledge gained from playing CURRENT EVENTS leads to more informed and responsible future citizens.

Since the information asked changes from year to year, there are no official study materials. Players are encouraged to visit their library to research other informational sources to prepare for the competition.

*Students who want to compete in CURRENT EVENTS must do so at their school since there is no official NOAGL competition for this game. Those individuals who compete in a school-organized CURRENT EVENTS tournament and qualify for the AGLOA National Tournament may compete in CURRENT EVENTS at the national tournament.