This is a free-form role-playing/game system. It has scenarios for every time period and can recreate history or be used to get into characters. Ideal as the only additional equipment necessary is a single six-sided die. Games are not repetitive—even with same players. Highly recommended for use once you understand how they work/have experience with them (and still good otherwise). Hamster Press is good answering questions and with support material.
The value is in the use of the cards. 36 possible results along with the various on-base situations allows calculation of possible results and probabilities. The statistics for likelihood of each on-base situation are researchable. This would work with moderate to high level math classes. Students could recreate player abilities/make their own cards by researching past baseball season stats.
This is a role-playing game and free-form. It explores the horror mythos of H.P. Lovecraft which inspired Stephen King and other writers. References to Cthulhu are quite frequent, including Arkham Asylum in the Batman cartoon series.
Hard to bring a game to class with the name "Cheapass" on it. If used, whiteout the references and then play. Low quality components won't stand up to prolonged use.
Not a normally covered area. Hard to get lots of students involved. “the Columbia block games" all use similar systems, so familiarity with one WILL make the others much easier as well.
Good game, but needs multiple decks. It is possible to have multiple games going on, but at $30/game, that can get pricey for a larger class.
Good game, but needs multiple decks. It is possible to have multiple games going on, but at $40/game, that can get pricey for a larger class. The game is a card came. The art is accurate and attractive. Cheap copies are available on ebay.
One player is the German guard, the others are POWs trying to escape. Colditz was the escape-proof castle and was the subject for a PBS NOVA special as well. There is a novel based on the book, along with memoirs.
This would be very good to have in a 5-6 grade class level for rainy days and indoor recess. You have to move pieces to get them in the same order as the pieces in the board’s center, except both players play cards to switch pieces in order, back and forth AND the order in the center!
Simulates the creation of modern civilizations. It comes with an introductory scenario that, while not balanced really, does a good job of showing the key issues in developing an empire in the ancient world. It is also great fun.