Game Theory in the Social Studies Classroom

ABSTRACT

This article explores using game theory in social studies classrooms as a heuristic to aid students in understanding strategic decision making. The authors provide examples of several simple games teachers can use. Next, we address how to help students design their own simple (2 × 2) games.

KEYWORDS:

• Game theory
• social studies
• strategic decision making

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Ashley Binetti, Linda Torricelli, Denise Yu, and Sungwon Shin who helped shaped the use of game theory in my gifted and talented summer class.