Jeopardy is a fun trivia-style game that Alex Trebek has made engaging for years. Try this at home for a fun family trivia night or even in a classroom as way to study for a test by making a Jeopardy game. You might try a low-tech Jeopardy game or even make your game using the Jeopardy app. Whether you go low- or high-tech for your homemade Jeopardy game, it's guaranteed to be a good time.
How to Make Low-Tech Jeopardy Games
Making your own Jeopardy game doesn't need to get complicated. There are several low-tech ways that you can create this fun and engaging trivia game.
Index Card Jeopardy Game
It doesn't get much easier than an index card Jeopardy game. You'll just need:
- Index cards
- Paper and pencils
- Large piece of cardboard (6 ft. by 6 ft., or something around that size)
- Tape
- 100 or more questions and answers
- A prize
Once you've gathered your supplies, it's time to build your Jeopardy board.
- Decide on several different categories and write these at the top of the cardboard or attach index cards.
- Write out your questions on notecards or paper (label them for which answer they belong to).
- On each index card write the answers to the questions.
- On the other side of the index cards will be your point values.
- Easier ones will range in value from 100-500 in 100-point increments and will be taped on one side of the board.
- The hard answers will be double points ranging from 200-1000 in 200-point increments and will go on the other side of the board
- Create one Final Jeopardy question that is harder than all the rest. The emcee will keep this in his or her pocket until the game is over.
- Tape your answers to your board.
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Give the contestants paper and pencils to keep track of points. Start playing. Contestants can either take turns or raise their hand to answer a question.
White Board Jeopardy Game Board
Index cards are great, but they can be a lot of work, pulling off and removing cards. Make your game board even simpler by using a white board. All you need is:
- Large white or chalkboard
- Dry-erase markers or chalk
- Eraser
- At least 100 printed questions and answers on various topics, sorted into dollar amounts and categories
- Pens and paper
This game is going to take a bit more work by the emcee, but the setup is a lot easier.
- Decide how large your game board is going to be (3x3, 6x6, etc.), and how many rounds you'll have.
- Using the chalk or dry-erase marker write the categories at the top.
- Create your designated number of boxes under the headings (i.e. 3x3 or 6x6).
- Write the amounts that each question is worth (i.e. 100- or 200-point increments).
- Gather three contestants or groups and start game play.
You can have hands raised for answering questions and when a question is answered, you'll erase the amount. Points will be tracked on the paper.
How to Make a High-Tech Jeopardy Game
When computers and tablets are a dime a dozen, making an old-fashioned low-tech board doesn't really make sense. Instead, use your technology to create a PowerPoint Jeopardy game.
PowerPoint Jeopardy Game Board
Beyond just a computer, questions and answers and PowerPoint software, you are going to need some basic knowledge of PowerPoint to create this Jeopardy game board. Once you have your technology at hand, you can create a game by:
- Using PowerPoint or a similar program, design a template or download one that has already been created (see below).
- Enter your answers and questions.
- Remember to run spell check.
- Play the game.
The fun thing about the computer version is it gives more of the Jeopardy feel, especially if you add the logos and such.
Template Resources
Download any one of the numerous templates you can find that recreate the Jeopardy game board.
- Jepardy for Powerpoint allows you to download a basic template for Jeopardy.
- Jeopardy Templates allows you to download specific templates related to math, geometry, and vocabulary or use the generic Jeopardy template to create your own. These templates were created by teachers.
Jeopardy App
PowerPoint isn't going to work for everyone. There is an online version. JeopardyApp offers an easy to use for making a Jeopardy board. You simply need to create a password to modify your template as you see fit. This is a great online template that is very user friendly and can easily be shared with your family or a classroom.
Finding Trivia Questions
You don' have to make up your own questions, unless you are doing the game as a school review. There are dozens of different Trivia question printables available for kids, adults and even seniors. In addition to trying these printable quizzes that cover different topics like the bible and history or these quizzes and trivia which cover holidays and even math, check out these websites.
- Jeopardy.com offers practice tests for teens, college students and adults that you can pull questions from.
- Triviaplaying.com offers an array of printable jeopardy questions and answers covering the game Jeopardy itself.
- Pinterest is also a great place to find a diverse array of printable trivia questions and answers for an array of ages.
Adapting Your Board for Your Age Group
When you are creating your Jeopardy board and questions, it's going to come down to your age group and interests. You'll want to:
- Look for categories that might engage your group's interests and hobbies. Kids for example will get more out fun themes like holidays and kid movies.
- Keep your age group in mind. For example, for younger kids you might try Jeopardy style questions for kids.
- Make sure the questions aren't too advanced or on categories the age group might not be exposed to. For example, a technology category might be lost on seniors, while 1970s trivia isn't a great fit for kids.
- Don't make the questions too easy. The point is that they push your knowledge. Making the questions all too easy will take away the challenge of the game.
- Tailor the board to the audience. Low tech boards might be more enjoyed by adults and seniors while kids might enjoy the visuals of a PowerPoint or the app.
Why Make a Jeopardy Board Game?
Whether you're tired of obscure categories on the television show, want a specialized game based on Lord of the Rings, or want to get your child involved in fun research, making your own Jeopardy board game is a fun project for everyone. Gather your supplies and get start so you're ready for the next family activity night.
