Gamify Chemistry Learning with Dots and Boxes: A Classroom Favorite

Feb 10

Gamifying chemistry content is a fantastic way to boost student engagement, and one of the simplest yet effective formats to use is Dots and Boxes. This classic game, traditionally played with just a grid of dots and a pencil, can be transformed into an exciting learning tool for chemistry classrooms, reinforcing content in an interactive and strategic way.

How to Play Dots and Boxes

In the traditional game of dots and boxes, players take turns connecting two adjacent dots with a horizontal or vertical line. If a player draws the 4th side and completes a box, they claim that box and take another turn. In the traditional game, the player with the most boxes at the end wins the game. We can create an engaging review for our students by adapting the game and adding some chemistry content.

Adapting Dots and Boxes to Chemistry Content

Set up the grid: Create a dot grid on a worksheet or whiteboard. Depending upon time available and/or complexity of the content, you can adjust the size of the grid. For example, time consuming content might require a smaller grid.

Incorporating chemistry content: Insert chemistry content into each grid. As a student claims a box, the student must answer the question inside that box. For example, if the content is significant figures, students could determine the number of significant figures in the number represented in the box.
Earning points: To earn points, students must complete the question correctly and get the points associated with the box.

In the significant figures example, if the number was 305, the student could get 3 points for that box as the number 305 has 3 significant figures.
If the students predict the products of a chemical reaction and balance the equation, the points could be determined by adding up the coefficients from the balanced chemical equation.

Winning: Once all boxes have been claimed, the student with the highest total number of points wins!

Chemistry Dots and Boxes Ideas

This game could be tailored to a variety of chemistry content, both at the first-year level and for AP Chemistry. Here are a few ideas that could be used to create some chemistry-themed dots and boxes games:

Molarity and/or dilution calculations
pH calculations
Bond angles using VSEPR
Atomic structure, such as PNE

Why Use Dots and Boxes in your Classroom

A game of dots and boxes can become quite competitive. This fosters participation and excitement. You can easily modify the questions to suit different units, difficulty levels, or even differentiate based on student needs. The game can require minimal prep if you have a pre-made grid and just apply a set of chemistry questions that you already have on hand.

Implementation Tips

Use whiteboards or laminated grids to create a reusable game board that your students can draw on with dry erase markers.

Pair with task cards or Google Slides questions if you already have a pre-made set of questions and want minimal prep.
Consider differentiating by adjusting the difficulty of the questions for different students.

Dots and Boxes is an excellent addition to the chemistry classroom, combining fun with meaningful content review. Whether you're prepping for an upcoming test or reinforcing key concepts, this game offers an easy and effective way to engage students in chemistry learning! Thanks for reading. Let me know if you use this strategy in your classroom over on Instagram.