Math In Motion: Project Proposal

Math in Motion: A Virtual Reality Math-Based Game
Zac Lukegord and Dane Johnson

Problem:

Most of early math education is done by sitting down at a desk and working through problems. This method of learning is not engaging for many students and leads to disinterest in the subject. It is important to deal with this disinterest early, as it may cause the student to dislike math for the rest of their life.

Motivation for VR:

Virtual reality allows students to interact with math material in a tangible and gamified way. This will engage students more meaningfully than traditional methods of teaching. Virtual Reality also allows students to learn while moving around while learning, which is beneficial for students who don’t enjoy being stationary at desks for long periods of time.

Solution:

Math in Motion is a VR game that allows students to explore an interactive environment while simultaneously solving math problems and learning basic math skills. The game will be designed to be used on a [Vive, Quest, Rift], which will allow students to move around while they learn. The core of the gameplay is based around exploring a fun virtual environment to find the numbers you need to solve a math problem. Students will be able to explore by physically walking around the virtual environment, or, if they are in a more confined space, they can use a variety of interesting methods of motion to explore. These two options for motions will allow students that like to be active and walk around a space, and those who would rather be stationary to play this game.

Students will be given a problem based on their level, which will be chosen before the game begins. Easier levels will just involve solving simple addition or subtraction problems, while more difficult levels add multiplication and division. Difficulty can be scaled by choosing which numbers and how large of numbers to include. At the start of each level, a problem will be given to the student by “The Generator”, an engine that the student must keep running by providing correct answers to problems. This “Generator” will serve as the center of the VR experience. Students must continually answer the problems that it provides to keep the game going. Problems will appear above The Generator so students can see it clearly. The students must first explore the environment to find the numbers they need to solve the problem. When the user finds a number it will be added to their “number belt.” The number belt will appear around the player’s waist, and will allow them to quickly access the numbers they need simply by grabbing them. After they have collected the numbers they need the user will use several tools to solve the problem by placing the digits that make up the answer into the generator. The student can also create an equation with digits and operators, depending on the problem. In this experience, digits will be tangible VR objects that students can grab, throw, and play with as they please. Interacting with VR objects such as these digits can be very fun and will motivation students to be more curious. Once the student places the correct answer into the machine, they will be given a prize (a fun VR object) and the next problem will begin. After the user has completed a certain amount of problems, the difficulty will scale slightly to ensure that they are still improving their skills.

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