Details about 7 SMARTS

What is 7 SMARTS?

It's a board game that helps you explore Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. By playing this game, you learn about the characteristics, behaviors, activities, careers, people, preferences, and tools associated with each of the seven types of intelligence.

How do I play 7 SMARTS?

It's easy to play this board-and-card game! You play different deals of the game, each deal corresponding to one of the seven types of intelligence.

A die is thrown before each deal to select a type of intelligence. During a deal, you receive 10 cards. Pick out a card that belongs to the selected type of intelligence. Present the card, throw a die, and move forward on the game board.

If somebody objects about the choice of your card, talk it over with the objector. If neither of you can persuade the other, check the Feedback Table for the official answer. If you are right, the objector moves back two spaces. You throw the die and move forward. If you are wrong, move back two spaces. The objector throws the die and moves forward.

Follow the same procedure with the subsequent deals.

CHANCE cards add excitement to the game. When you pick one up, you may move farther forward or move someone else's piece backward.

Win the game by being the first player to reach the FINISH space on the game board.

What does this package contain?

Game board. Six tiles with a total of 30 spaces for keeping track of the players' progress
Game cards. 105 cards, each with a statement about different characteristics, behaviors, activities, careers, people, preferences, and tools associated with the seven types of intelligence.
Chance cards. 15 cards, each with good news to the player who receives it
Game pieces. Plastic pieces of four different colors, one for each player or team
Dice. One die with the number 1-6 and another with the numbers 1-3. Both dice are used for selecting a type of intelligence at the beginning of each deal. The 1-3 die is used for determining how far players move on the game board.
Reference Card. A one-page job aid that summarizes the key features of the seven type of intelligence
Feedback Table. A reference table which lists the card numbers and the correct type (or types) of intelligence associated with each
Game Flow Summary. A one-page checklist with the basic rules of the game
Classification Exercise. A 5-page handout for a follow-up activity that requires the players to classify all statements from the game cards
Transparency masters. 20 reproducible pages, including seven graphics depicting the seven types of intelligence and 13 bullet charts explaining the flow of the game

What's in this Facilitator Guide?

Basic information about the game
List of supplies
Detailed instructions for procedures before, during, and after the game
Debriefing questions
Variations
Copies of all reproducible materials

How many people can play the game?

AHA is typically played by 2-16 players. With fewer than 5 players, each plays individually. With five or more players, they play in teams.

How long does the game last?

A typical game requires 30-45 minutes. The play time can be shortened or lengthened easily.

What are the seven intelligences?

Here are the seven intelligences identified by Howard Gardner:

Linguistic-Verbal. The ability to use words and language to think and to express ideas.
Logical-Mathematical. The ability to solve problems by using measurement, logic, and calculations.
Visual-Spatial. The ability to visualize images and to create design with color, shape, and size.
Body-Kinesthetic. The ability to control bodily movement and to handle objects skillfully.
Musical-Rhythmic. The ability to hear, appreciate, and produce rhythms and melodies.
Interpersonal. The ability to understand other people's feelings, values, and needs and to communicate effectively.
Intrapersonal. The ability to objectively reflect on, evaluate, understand, and change our actions and feelings.

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