Mathburg (We somewhat need a better title)

Goal: 3 rd Grade Multiplication Basic multiplication tables up through 12 * 12. Basic multiplication tables up through 12 * 12. Use arrays of x’s to solve multiplication problems. Use arrays of x’s to solve multiplication problems. Simple permutations introduced. Simple permutations introduced. Hints of commutability, division, and prime numbers. Hints of commutability, division, and prime numbers.

Details of Use Game Structure (Objective based) Game Structure (Objective based) Audience: 3 rd -4 th grade girls Audience: 3 rd -4 th grade girls Usage: min sessions Usage: min sessions Operating System: Mac OS X Operating System: Mac OS X

City Map

Map Locations and Stations Many locations available in town. Many locations available in town. –Sandbox –Stables –Mall –Zoo –Beach –Florist –Park –School Each location offers a type of problem to solve. Each location offers a type of problem to solve. –Multiplications with 1’s, 2’s, etc. –Permutations. –Commutability. –Prime Numbers. –The Beginnings of Algebra & Division

Map Locations and Stations Each Location has a number of stations. Each Location has a number of stations. –Eg. Mall has Blouse Shop and Earring Kiosk. Student solves problems to complete station. Student solves problems to complete station. Each station gives a reward. Each station gives a reward. –A Tile. –A Tool. –A Problem to use in the Sandbox. Provides customization of experience. Provides customization of experience.

Tool Paradigm Device/Toolbox stays with user at each location Device/Toolbox stays with user at each location Different tools gained as the user plays Different tools gained as the user plays –Start with “Freeform” grid and “Group” tool. –“Toolbox” on the side fills up as stations are completed “Tools” allow user to manipulate the grid in new ways. Including... “Tools” allow user to manipulate the grid in new ways. Including... –Block manipulation tools –Tileset tools change appearance of blocks –Print tool

Tool Interface Blocks are placed and manipulated on the grid, potentially with text feedback. Blocks are placed and manipulated on the grid, potentially with text feedback. The “Help” button causes help bubbles to appear. The “Help” button causes help bubbles to appear. “F”, “R”, and “P” are different grid modes “F”, “R”, and “P” are different grid modes –Freeform –Restricted –Permutation “X” will minimize the grid portion screen. “X” will minimize the grid portion screen.

Some of the Tools Group Group –Select a group and replicate it –Demonstrates multiplication as addition of groups Rotate Rotate –(4x3 → 3x4) –Demonstrates commutative property Resize Resize –specifically reallocate blocks by dragging (think Windows resizing) Enumeration Tool Enumeration Tool –numbers the blocks Print Tool Print Tool –print out their screen Tile sets Tile sets –changes appearance of blocks

Algebra/Division Problem

Permutation Problem

Sandbox/Testing Locations Sandbox Sandbox –Can “fiddle” with grids and tools without questions –Can generate random question from any completed stations Testing/School Testing/School –A random selection of problems from any location –Available difficulty increases as stations are completed –No tools allowed

Motivation/Engagement Rewards Rewards –New tiles –New tools –Printable “certificates” Advancement Advancement –Opens new stations (increasing difficulty) –Changes appearance of world map

Maintaining User Info Game State Game State –Save/Load state information via XML in a local file Tracking Information Tracking Information –Track session performance (can be shared with user) –Compare performance w/ tool vs. testing stations –Track preferences and tool usage (User testing phase only)

Comments, Questions... Level of animation Level of animation Location/Station suggestions? Location/Station suggestions? Title suggestions? Title suggestions?