Math Edutainment Software for Girls Grades 1-6

Emily ClarkeComputer Systems Research

Period 2

Abstract

“Edutainment” math game for girls in elementary school

Web-basedEncourage girls to continue math, science,

technology educationImplement suggestions from GMSP, ISE, CTGTEFlash MX; ActionScript 2.0Surveys to determine attitudes

Introduction

Engaging, educational math game for girls in elementary schools

Encourage girls to enroll in higher-level math, science, technology classes

Comprehensive plotDiverse, all-female castSeven mini-gamesFeedback system (rewarding gameplay)Non-stereotyped look at science in real world

Background

Girls in Math and Science Partnership – GMSP Stats and Data (2007)

Boys outperform in primary science, math, technology classes

On average, 30 points lower SAT math scoreUnder enrolled in AP Computer Science,

PhysicsLower eighth grade performance in fractions,

number sense, core sciencesLess confidence in science, math abilities

Background

Girls in Math and Science Partnership -- “Girls’ Beliefs about Science and Math” (2004)

More personal Appreciated for its own virtue (not utility) Feeling of control over abilities “New Science Girl” Rewarding, elegant, inspirational, humanitarian Explore math and science possibilities

Background

Institute of Educational Sciences -- “Encouraging Girls in Math and Science” (2007)

Cognitive abilities not fixed Specific, prescriptive feedback Female role models Interesting, gender-stereotype free careers, activities Research Spatial skills

Background

Comission on Technology, Gender, and Teacher Education -- “Tech-Savvy: Educating Girls in the

New Computer Age” (2000) Edutainment specific Strategy Personal, social interactions Diverse, interesting characters Narrative plots Gender-stereotype free creativity Appropriate challenge

Development

Macromedia Flash MX ActionScript 2.0

Implementation of Suggestions

Advancable plot with cutscences

Score-tracking system

Interactive cast Stereotype free

female characters Ability to “study” with

links to content Character

customizationStudy Notebook with Links to Content

and Score Tracking

Development

Mini-Games

Spatial skills – assemble “quadritiles” for rocket building

Flash cards – help doctor take stock of medical supplies

Word Problems – mix chemicals for experimentsScreenshot from spatial skills game

Development

Mini-Games

Logic – build a robot to retrieve information from the surface

Science, math trivia – recover scrambled passwords Sequences – figure out which button to press on an artifact Number codes – decode a message using a numerical cue

Progress

Spatial skills game (debugging) Flash cards game (completed) Password game (frame) Character customization Main menu Loading screen Notebook (frame) Engineer, doctor, astronaut, administrator interactions

(basic)

Analysis

Release through TJHSST server Send game to FCPS computer teachers Three surveys

Parent/teacher, after Educational value Elements of game Girl friendly?

Analysis

Student, before Age Gender Attitudes towards math Student, after Attitudes towards math Elements of game Replay value

Comparison of student results Graph change in results Display of parent/teacher comments/results

Take into consideration for revisions

Conclusion

Next steps Complete other mini-games Animate opening cut scene Provide study tips, links to research, activities,

information Flesh out character interactions