Rolling Polygon: Geometry Lab

GAME INFO

What is the goal of the game?

Rolling Polygon is a geometry lab where polygons roll along their edges. Students must figure out which regular polygon, from a triangle to a dodecagon, will land its vertices on solid ground, avoid the gaps, and reach the finish line. Every level is a small math problem: calculate, predict, and test.

Recommended age and educational level

Recommended for students ages 9 to 14, from 4th to 8th grade. It works especially well when introducing polygons, interior and exterior angles, and measurement, and can be used as an extension activity for advanced students.

How to play: single-player or multiplayer

This is a single-player game. Use the plus (+) and minus (−) buttons to change the number of sides, observe the polygon, and press "Roll" to test your prediction. The more sides a polygon has, the shorter each step it takes. The game includes 5 worlds with 10 levels each (50 levels total). In the classroom, it can be played in pairs or small teams, with students explaining their reasoning before each roll.

What do you learn from this game? Learning and skills

Regular polygons: identifying and naming polygons from 3 to 12 sides.
Interior and exterior angles: connecting each polygon's angle with how much it turns per step (a triangle has 60° angles and rotates 120° each step).
Measurement: relating side length to the distance between support points.
Patterns and generalization: noticing that fewer sides mean bigger steps, and that as sides increase, the polygon approaches a circle.
Problem solving: using data to make and test predictions, just like the scientific method.

Tips to get the most out of this game

Use the data panel (side length, distance between support points, rotation angle, and polygon angle) to plan before rolling.
Ask students to record their predictions and results in a table and look for patterns.
Challenge advanced students to find the rule for the rotation angle (360° divided by the number of sides).
Unplugged activity: cut out cardboard polygons, roll them along a ruler on paper, and mark each contact point to measure the steps.

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