Motion Math

Conceptual learning games & dashboard for K-6 math

Overview

Founded by graduates of the Stanford Learning, Design, and Technology program, Motion Math develops mobile learning games to teach fundamentals of mathematics informed by empirical findings in early mathematical development and “embodied cognition.” Based on the theory that physical experiences and mental representations are directly related, the San Francisco startup has developed, a variety of mobile games combining physical and visual experiences with math learning. These products, available for iOS, includes games to teach fractions and number line estimation (Fractions!), place value (Zoom), addition and subtraction (Hungry Fish), multiplication (Wings), basic quantity and set size (Hungry Guppy), operations (Match), estimation (Questimate), and economics and proportions (Pizza!).

The company has also developed Motion Month Educator; a single product for teachers, which includes all of these games as well as a teacher dashboard tracking student mastery of Common Core Standards. Motion Math Educator is available in a variety of pricing plans: platinum ($25/student/year), gold ($9/student/year), silver ($6/student/year). Free trials and subscriptions are also available.

Motion Math's apps are also available for individual purchase, ranging in price from $2.99 to $6.99, or in a "Super Bundle" for $25.99.  A list of apps and pricing are available on the company's website.

Each game combines a physical experience with a basic math concept. All are aligned with Common Core State Standards in mathematics, ranging from kindergarten through grade 6. Hungry Guppy introduces set sizes and numerals before presenting single digit addition, acting as a prequel to Hungry Fish. In Hungry Guppy and Hungry Fish, children drag and combine numbers on the touchscreen to represent quantities and complete operations. Motion Math Zoom is an interactive number line that shows relationships between concrete objects and abstract numbers. A pinch gesture lets users zoom in and out to compare numbers and learn about place value through colorful animations of animals from amoebas to dinosaurs.

Motion Math: Wings presents quantities in six visual formats (including dots, numerals, grids, and symbols) to support estimation and mental multiplication. Players tilt their devices to “fly” through numbers, earning feathers and twigs to build a nest along the way. The flagship Motion Math app (available in HD for the iPad) introduces four representations of fractions: numerator/denominator, decimal, percentage, and pie chart. Users tilt their device to estimate and compare fractions on a number line. A recent efficacy study using Motion Math in fifth grade classrooms found improvement of fraction understanding as well as improved attitudes and confidence toward fractions after using the app for 20 minutes a day for five days, compared to a control group.

Motion Math apps have been downloaded over three million times.

OTHER REVIEWS:

Efficacy study: http://www.gamedesk.org/projects/motion-math-in-class/

Motion Math Hungry Guppy (review): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY3vxOxm1wA

Motion Math Hungry Fish (teacher review): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ifrlRcguhc&feature=plcp

Motion Math Hungry Fish (review): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOyHE9PYtYA

Motion Math Overview

Rhode Island Tech for Schools Summit (October 2013)