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Math Quest is an interactive educational game designed to help 3rd-grade girls master basic multiplication tables up to 12x12 through engaging activities like using arrays and introducing simple permutations. Explore various locations in Mathburg city map to solve multiplication problems, learn about commutability, division, and prime numbers, and get hints of algebra and division. With a tool paradigm and problem-solving sessions, students earn rewards, customize their experience, and progress through the game while maintaining user information. Get ready for a fun and educational journey in Math Quest!
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Mathburg (We somewhat need a better title)
Goal: 3rd Grade Multiplication • Basic multiplication tables up through 12 * 12. • Use arrays of x’s to solve multiplication problems. • Simple permutations introduced. • Hints of commutability, division, and prime numbers.
Details of Use • Game Structure (Objective based) • Audience: 3rd-4th grade girls • Usage: 30-45 min sessions • Operating System: Mac OS X
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 • Many locations available in town. • Sandbox • Stables • Mall • Zoo • Beach • Florist • Park • School
Map Locations and Stations • Each Location has a number of stations. • Eg. Mall has Blouse Shop and Earring Kiosk. • Student solves problems to complete station. • Each station gives a reward. • A Tile. • A Tool. • A Problem to use in the Sandbox. • Provides customization of experience.
Tool Paradigm • Device/Toolbox stays with user at each location • 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... • 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. • The “Help” button causes help bubbles to appear. • “F”, “R”, and “P” are different grid modes • Freeform • Restricted • Permutation • “X” will minimize the grid portion screen.
Some of the Tools • Group • Select a group and replicate it • Demonstrates multiplication as addition of groups • Rotate • (4x3 → 3x4) • Demonstrates commutative property • Resize • specifically reallocate blocks by dragging (think Windows resizing) • Enumeration Tool • numbers the blocks • Print Tool • print out their screen • Tile sets • changes appearance of blocks
Sandbox/Testing Locations • Sandbox • Can “fiddle” with grids and tools without questions • Can generate random question from any completed stations • Testing/School • A random selection of problems from any location • Available difficulty increases as stations are completed • No tools allowed
Motivation/Engagement • Rewards • New tiles • New tools • Printable “certificates” • Advancement • Opens new stations (increasing difficulty) • Changes appearance of world map
Maintaining User Info • Game State • Save/Load state information via XML in a local file • 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 • Location/Station suggestions? • Title suggestions?