Monopoly is a classic board game that just won't quit. In fact, the basic game has been revamped with countless themes, yet the basic game rules have largely stayed the same. And why change the rules? Though some will argue that Monopoly is simply too long, it remains an excellent game of strategy, risk-taking, and chance.
In this version, players still go to "jail", collect $200 when they pass "Go", and vie to be the wealthiest player through buying, selling, and renting property. However, instead of railroad properties, there are observatories; in the place of taxes, there are light pollution fines and eclipse cruises; and, instead of buying houses and hotels to beef up their properties, players collect silver scope sheds and white observatories. Players move around the board with special astronomy-themed pewter tokens, like the Meade Telescope, Hubble space telescope, or the lawn chair. They compete to own planets, comets, star clusters, nebulae, observatories, and galaxies. Although their functions are the same, the Chance and Community Chest cards feature images of the Sun and the Moon.
Children learn a myriad of skills simply by playing the basic game of Monopoly. They actively learn to add (and subtract!) money, and count both die values and spaces on the board. At the same time, kids get a taste for the concepts of taking risks, investing, earning, and even paying taxes (or in this case, fines)! All of this while they have fun. Monopoly is a rich, multi-layered, and engrossing game no matter its theme.
In terms of the educational value of the Astronomy theme, it is possible to play the game without learning more than the names of galaxies, nebulae, and the like. However, parents might want to read and relay the information found in the Rules pamphlet included with the game. This way, when kids land on the "Light Pollution Fine" space, they'll learn how light pollution is created (and its costs!) when the light from shopping malls and highways is spilled into the night sky, and the solution for this problem. Or, they learn that the Andromeda Galaxy contains 300 billion stars and is cigar-shaped. Even if kids and parents don't peruse of the information offered, they'll painlessly become familiar with astronomy terms as they play.
The biggest complaint kids have with Monopoly is its length. A game can last for hours and hours before a player wins. The game's Rules pamphlet offers alternative rules for a short game. The suggested timer method seems to just stimulate arguments and the sense of urgency can spoil the fun; but the other option, which involves starting the game with random Title Deed cards and ending the game when only one player goes bankrupt, works well.
