Introduction to Pokémon and Math-Based Strategy Dr. Wilkerson teaches math in the school of Rhetoric and serves as the K- 12 Math Department Chair. He has taught co-curricular classes on recreational mathematics and chess and he led the Math Strategy and Pokémon summer camp over the last few years. He is the father of 10 year old and 7 year old Pokémon enthusiasts who have led him to research and study the game. Pokémon (a Japanese cartoon that has developed video games, a TV/movie series, and collectible cards) has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. While Pokémon cards are fun to collect and trade they are also meant to be used for playing a strategic card game - a game that requires the use of fundamental math skills. We will learn ways of quickly doing addition, subtraction and multiplication of two and three digit numbers (How much damage did my attack have? How much health do I have left?). We will examine basic probability (some moves aren't automatic but require flipping coins first - what are the chances that I will be able to make the move I want to?). And we will apply math to strategically build the optimal ratio of Pokémon, energy and trainer cards in your deck. Come see how math makes Pokémon more fun! Students are welcome to bring their own cards but this is not necessary, as a trainer deck will be provided for everyone. Students can keep their trainer decks when the class is over. Dr. Wilkerson teaches math in the school of Rhetoric and serves as the K- 12 Math Department Chair. He has taught co-curricular classes on recreational mathematics and chess and he led the Math Strategy and Pokémon summer camp over the last few years. He is the father of 10 year old and 7 year old Pokémon enthusiasts who have led him to research and study the game.
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