This game is for two players. Function machine game A3.1 Core Starter This game is for two players. The first player chooses (without telling the other) a function machine with either one or two function boxes. The second player has to work out which operations are in the function boxes by asking the first player what the outputs will be for some inputs they choose. The idea is to find the function box(es) with as few trial inputs as possible. Preamble This simple game involves two players. The first chooses (without telling the other) a function machine with one or two function boxes. The second player has to work out which operations are in the function box(es) by asking the first player the outputs for some inputs which they choose. The idea is to find these function box(es) with as few trial inputs as possible. Players change roles after each game – the one with the lowest number of trials for the two games wins a point for that round and so on. After several rounds, pupils should realise the importance of being systematic in their choice of inputs. A short whole-class discussion about strategies would be useful at the end of the games. In some cases the game could be played against the whole class with one person (perhaps the teacher) acting as the function machine ‘constructor’. Possible content Using function machines. Resources None. Solution/Notes Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009 Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009