Color Code Mastermind

This app is all about problem solving and using a little bit about statistics. The whole purpose of the game is for the player to figure out what pattern the different color balls are. There are settings that allow the player to adjust how many colors are used in the pattern and if any colors repeat. The object of the game is to use problem solving skills to figure out the pattern that the different colored balls are in. You have ten tries to try and solve the pattern. After each try, the game will give you a hint as to whether or not you have any in the correct order or of the correct color. If a circle is lit up, it means that you have that many correct colors in your pattern. If a circle is filled in, it means that you have that many in the correct color and in the correct spot. Just because a circle is filled in or lit up, does not mean that it corresponds with the ball on top. After ten tries the computer will show you the pattern.

This was a free application that can be found at the app store. There is also an extended version of this game called Mastermind Code Break which is also a free application.

This will get students to start using problem solving skills without them even realizing it. They will also get the very basics of probability with this game, by trying to figure out which colored ball goes where. Trial and error will only get you so far because the player only has ten tries in all to get the pattern. In the classroom, this would be a good warm up game for students to get them thinking about math and different ways to solve problems.