Abstract:

Teaching mathematics can be challenging, especially when dealing with abstract and complex concepts. Game theory, with its applications across various disciplines and its interactive nature, can be a valuable ally in making mathematics more accessible and engaging. The Maths Teaching Laboratory of Politecnico di Torino believes in instilling a passion for maths through engaging in activities that foster a sense of discovery and exploration. These activities are intended to enthuse students in the process of learning.

In “Playing Mathematics with Game (theory)”, aimed at high school and first-year university students, we used games as a tool to introduce game theory and the underlying mathematics. In a time of about two hours, we propose a path involving games and riddles, as well as definitions and theorems. Mathematics often appears to be concerned with describing numbers and concepts that are far removed from everyday life. With this lab, the point of arrival is to demonstrate that mathematics can, in fact, be used to describe and analyze real-world situations, such as winning a game of chess or describing competitive situations.

Depending on our interlocutors, the problem has been posed with different levels of formalism. Here we will present a version of the activity suitable for high school students.

The starting point is the introduction of the concept of strategy using two well-known mathematical games that test participants’ logical reasoning and planning skills. Participants in the activity are guided to the discovery of milestones of game theory’s fundamentals, such as strategies, payoffs, and equilibrium. The last part of the lab is devoted to introducing the main concept of game theory: Nash equilibrium.

The proposed lab offered an engaging and interactive learning experience, demonstrating how games can be an effective means to educate students in mathematics and stimulate students' intellectual growth. Through playing, participants gained a more in-depth understanding of game theory and its underlying mathematics, while developing problem-solving, strategic reasoning, and critical thinking skills.

Keywords:

Game Theory, STEM Education Experiences, Game-based Learning and Gamification.