Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 21:51:40 -1000
To: T3 Program listserv <t3@help.k12.hi.us>
Subject: Game Analysis, the Egyptians Pyramid Game
Online/Download Game Analysis
Pyramad, the Egyptians Pyramid Game
Participants: Cheryl Kuroda, Waiakeawaena Elementary School
Julie Matsushima, Waiakeawaena Elementary School
Lori Ramos, Ka'u High and Pahala Elementary School
Location Method: We found this game by searching on excite (via apple home page), using the search words of environmental games. We looked for games that could be played on line as well as being educational. We first considered a stock market type game, but we couldn't find one that allowed minors to play. So we kept on looking - so many choices. But, finally this site caught our eye due to the description on the search page- it said, "Welcome to the kingdom of games, the domain of puzzles, and the realm . . ." Hence the URL, magicastle.
Theme: Egypt and the pyramids, a fascinating place with amazing structures. We have a unit that covers the great architecture of the pyramids. Including shapes and prisms, building a model of a pyramid, and a lesson on how the pyramids were constructed. This game can be used as part of a culminating activity to build your own pyramid on the computer. But, there are conditions. You have to properly match the pieces together.
Each piece is in the shape of a square with four hieroglyphics at each corner. You need to properly rotate the piece and place on to the foundation of the pyramid. As you complete a side of the pyramid, the stone transforms to the sloped side of the pyramid. The game offers three levels - a 3 x 3 square foundation, a 4 x 4 square foundation and a 5 x 5 square foundation. When a student wins, they get to see what a pyramid looks like, and using logic in the process (but we haven't seen what really happens when you win, yet).
The game has elaborate graphics and sound effects - dragging of the stones, majestic music at the start of the game (we're still trying to hear the winner's song), and even an Egyptian encouraging you - actually telling you that you can do better next time (something we heard too often).
We can start out the period at the computer lab, where each person has a computer, or two students share one computer. And, we can challenge the teams to see which person or which group can build a pyramid first. While teams loose, they can play the other game in the program or they can search the web for other sites concerning Egypt, with the winning teams moving on to more complex levels of the game.
This will transform the learning of the students by allowing them to build their own pyramid with the fun of puzzles. By having a game that was found online or can be played online as part of each unit, students can feel more comfortable using the computer with the possibility of designing their own games in the future.
The unit will give them the insight on how the Egyptians built the pyramids, as well as learning special geometric shapes and prisms. In addition, they will get to build their own models and play a game at the end. What could be more fun than a party at the end?
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