Important Announcement!
The National Number Knockout competition will not be held in 2021. The competition is canceled this year due to consistently declining interest. It will be reevaluated for future years. We realize this is a disappointment to some families who have been anticipating the 2021 competition, and we grieve with you that the competition will not take place this year. We encourage families and communities to continue enjoying the Number Knockout game and to continue striving as a family to “Knock Out Innumeracy".
Interested in Playing?
Interested students and parents must familiarize themselves with our How to Play Guide.
How to Play GuideDownload Game Board
How Is Number Knockout Played?
Number Knockout is played on a six by six grid of numbers. The classic Number Knockout board contains the numerals 1 to 36. However, the game can be played on a wide variety of boards, and players are encouraged to make their very own boards using a creative selection of numbers and patterns for practice. Number Knockout can be played with many different variations to make the game easier or harder. Because it is so easy to modify the game for a variety of players, it is perfect for students of all ages.
A Game on a Mission
Number Knockout is a fast-paced, mental math game with a mission to “Knock Out Innumeracy.” While many people are aware that illiteracy is detrimental to our society, few people contemplate the long-term effects of innumeracy. According to the 2015 PISA findings, which measures math, science, and reading scores worldwide, the U.S. now ranks 31st among 35 industrialized countries in math proficiency (Barshay, The Hechinger Report). The continuing slide in numeracy skills is concerning for a country that prides itself on our ability to innovate and lead, but Number Knockout is seeking to improve math education in this country by teaching students how to play an easy to learn and highly addictive game.
In addition to knocking out innumeracy by improving students’ mental math abilities, students playing Number Knockout practice speaking and listening to equations. This teaches students innumerable skills beyond mathematics such as accurately speaking the truth, carefully listening for the truth, and graciously defending the truth.
The 2020 National Number Knockout Finalists
Bibliography:
Barshay, Jill. “U.S. Now Ranks Near the Bottom Among 35 Industrialized Nations in Math.” The Hechinger Report, http://hechingerreport.org/u-s-now-ranks-near-bottom-among-35-industrialized-nations-math/. Accessed October 5, 2017.