Minesweeper
 A Math Grid Search
 


In fourth grade we have our Every Day Math program and its game of logic known as Grid Search. To go along with this program in the computer lab, we are using Microsoft's Minesweeper ver5.1.  We have found that this math/logic game is much like the EDMath Grid Search.  It aligns with the Maine State Learning Results under Mathematics D. probability and Science & Technology J. inquiry and problem solving for grade 4.

For the Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 found in our lab, each station has its own free game of Minesweeper under accessories/games.  
For a free play-online minesweeper game, see:
 http://gameswizard.com/j_jvmine.html
 

From: Microsoft Help Site
 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/getstarted/inboxgames.mspx
 
Minesweeper
 
A deceptively simple game of memory and reasoning, Minesweeper demands that you look at a field of blank squares and determine which ones conceal mines. If you click on a mine, the game is over. Uncover all the squares as fast as possible for the highest score. Oh, the hours you'll spend to shave a second off your time.

Try to mark all mines right away. If you know exactly where some mines are, take a second to mark them. Otherwise, you'll forget them by the time you get back from another part of the board. This takes time, but it's worth it in the end.
Learn to recognize numerical patterns. If you see that three squares in a row display the numbers 2-3-2, then three mines sit next to that row of squares. If a square displays an 8, then you know every square around it holds a mine. Flag the obvious minefields as soon as you can, or you'll forget them.
Explore the unexplored. If a set of squares doesn't reveal a pattern and you're not sure where to click next, clear out some unexplored territory. You're better off clicking in the middle of unmarked squares than clicking in an area where you know some mines await.