SBIR-STTR Award

The innovation uses game-based learning to increase the mathematical knowledge, mathematical thinking, and mathematical performance of middle school students. The problems being addressed are that average test scores of U.S. middle school students on international tests are low, and many students are unable to apply math to everyday problems. The innovation, entitled Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse: An Online Game to Teach Mathematical Thinking to Middle School Students, is a Web-based action-adventure, narrative-based, role-playing game where the player defends against zombies in an effort to save the human race. The distinguishing features of Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse are game design, computer-adapted differentiated instruction, and high production value. Relying on Cognitive Load and Multimedia Learning theories, the innovation scaffolds connections among situated, concrete math metaphors and abstract, formal, academic mathematics. Other features include scaffolding of instruction, instant feedback, video tutorials, Common Core alignment, mobile accessibility, and a backend administrative dashboard for viewing performance data. The game can be integrated into any math curriculum and is textbook neutral, scalable, accessible online, and designed for repeat playability. Phase I includes a prototype of three mathematical thinking mini-games that will be tested with approximately 80 middle school students.

The broader/commercialization impact of Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse: An Online Game to Teach Mathematical Thinking to Middle School Students, lies in its unique integration of procedural and conceptual mathematics with an eye to the development of math as a way of thinking. There are currently no comparable math games in the market. Some games focus on exercises and memorization of procedures, but never find out what formal mathematics means. Others focus on solving situated puzzles without abstracting or formalizing math in-game, so learners do not "package" that knowledge to take it into other contexts. Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse addresses this void. It is a supplementary instructional activity, available on both Web and mobile platforms, aligned with Common Core Standards, featuring an easy-to-use dashboard for viewing and tracking performance. Its scalable online design is conducive to distribution through multiple channels and to competitive pricing structures. There are 11,927,000 middle schoolers and literally millions of students exiting school without the ability to apply mathematics knowledge and skills to real-world tasks. Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse can significantly improve student procedural and conceptual understanding, leading toward better attitudes toward math and ultimately to competence as a mathematical thinker.

This SBIR Phase II project will enhance the science content knowledge of elementary school pre-service and in-service teachers and increase their effectiveness in teaching science. Studies show significant deficiencies in many elementary teachers? conceptual knowledge of science topics, and this lack of scientific understanding inhibits their ability to teach science effectively. Research also shows that students learn more from teachers with strong comprehension of the subject matter being taught than from teachers with weak content understanding. Using research from cognitive psychology, game-based learning, and multimedia learning theory, this project creates problem-based scenarios and built-in assessments that challenge teachers to solve problems and ensures that they grasp scientific principles. By improving teachers? understanding of science, this project will therefore improve student performance and give students the foundational knowledge needed to pursue careers not only in science, but also in engineering and technology. Increasing the number of young people entering scientific and technical fields has an impact not only on the individuals entering these professional careers, but also on the nation?s productivity, competitiveness, and tax base since science and technology are key drivers of innovation and growth in the U.S. economy.The product is a Web-based learning system consisting of a suite of inquiry-based activities designed to (a) strengthen the science knowledge of pre-service and in-service elementary teachers and (b) increase their confidence in and enthusiasm for teaching science. To motivate the learner, the product includes an overarching science fiction narrative with engaging 3D art as well as game-based science learning activities. All science content aligns with The Next Generation Science Standards as well as curriculum focal points and provides learners with immediate and easily accessible data on their science understanding, both procedural and conceptual. Because learners become engaged by the narrative and interactive science experiments, they are less focused on the intervention as a teaching instrument and on their deficiencies in scientific understanding. During engagement, learners are carefully scaffolded through 6 levels of difficulty, and move up and down the levels seamlessly based on performance. Also, learners collect rewards along the way to further motivate them to engage.