Lost in Space Game (Ages 4+)

This is a map reference game for any number of players. Six collecting boards form the plan of Fantasia. Each board is divided into nine grid squares, so that there are 54 grid squares in all. Each of the 54 picture card shows, larger and more clearly, a creature form one of the grid squares, and on the back of the card the appropriate grid reference is shown. The aim of the game is to match the creatures to the grid squares, either through observation or by using the grid references.
The attractive design of this game belies the degree of observational skill required. It reflects the difficulty of reading maps and quickly teaches the value and simplicity of grid references.

Benefits:

* provides opportunities for players to notice details in size, colour, shapes and locations
* introduces players to using grids and mapping skills (game boards joined together create one large map)
* provides opportunities for number and letter recognition
* promotes observational skills as player matches cards to game board
* promotes cognitive thinking skills as player must be able to look at pictures, then reduce them to find the matching square
* game can be played independently or in a group
* game should be played both ways (962075)ing grid references and not using grid references as two different skills are enhanced by playing the game both ways.

Extended Thinking:

* can you think of anyway to sort and classify these game cards?
* what happens if you make a map using the cards with grid reference only, and not the game boards (make the map using the back of the cards)