Game Based Learning: Birch Trail

Prompt:

     On down, past the Bamboo, there is a small Beech Grove on your right. You find a long wooden box, with a clasp on it...

Beech Grove: 

Mancala

     The name "mancala" came from the Arabic word "naqala" which literally means "to move."   The object of the game is to collect as many rocks in your mancala (the rightmost cup) as possible.  You and your opponent will take turns to move the rocks according to the rules:

How to play: 

• Players fill 12 holes, aligned in two rows, parallel to one another, with four rocks in each hole. 
• You can only move the rocks on your side of the parallel. 
• each time you move, you pick up all the rocks in one hole and distribute them in a counter clockwise direction to the next cup. 
• If the last gem of a move landed on your mancal, then you can move again. 
• If you round the board you do not place a mancala in your opponents cup. 
• If the last rock of a move landed on an empty cup on your side and there are some rocks in the opposite cup, then the gems in the two cups will be captured in your mancala. 

The earliest evidence of the game has been found in Aksumite ares in Matar and Yeha.  Archaeologists have dated this remains between the 6th and 7th century AD.  This game symbolizes the actions used in agriculture which explains why some refer to the game as "the sower." 

Review: 

     This game is a testament to strategy, critical thinking, and math.  Students would exercise these skills as they attempt to collect the most rocks in their mancala space.  I was first introduced to this game by my husband when I visited his family while we were dating.  He loves the challenge of strategy that this game brings. The image below will take you to an online version of this game.  It is also available in app form.