Math Detective: Solving the Crimes
Overview
This is a puzzle game where the player takes on the role of a detective who must solve a series of crimes. To solve each crime, the player must use their knowledge of mathematical concepts to figure out who the culprit is.
Instructional Objective
Within a one-month timeframe, the students must utilize their mathematical skills to solve crimes presented in the game, aiming to successfully solve at least 80% of them.
Learners
Learners are secondary students, which typically include students in grades 7-12, ranging in age from approximately 12 to 18 years old. They likely have some foundational knowledge of mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. However, their levels of proficiency in these concepts may vary, so the game should provide different levels of difficulty to cater to different abilities.
Motivation
As students play the game, they would be practicing their problem-solving skills and applying their
knowledge of math in a fun and engaging way. The game could also provide immediate feedback to
help students identify areas where they need to improve, which could help them build confidence and make progress more quickly. The game-based learning approach can be particularly effective for visual and kinesthetic learners, who may struggle with traditional teaching methods.
Context of Use
While this game may not be central to the mastery of subject matter, it can be an effective
supplementary tool to help reinforce and enhance the students' understanding of mathematical
concepts. It can also help to motivate students and increase their interest in the subject matter.
Scope
The game should cover a range of mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics, and provide opportunities for students to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. The students will have one month to complete the game, giving them enough time to work through the puzzles at their own pace.
Object of the Game
The end state that players are striving for is to successfully solve all the crimes in the game and
achieve the highest score possible. Players can also earn points throughout the game by completing
puzzles quickly and accurately and by making correct accusations. At the end of the game, players will receive a final score based on their performance throughout the game, with the goal of achieving the highest score possible.
Design Process
Designing an educational game that is both engaging and effective can be challenging, especially when trying to balance content with plot. My initial goal for this game was to create a math-focused game that would allow students to practice and apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way. However, I quickly realized that a game that is solely focused on math might not be as engaging for students, and that a well-crafted plot could help keep students interested and motivated.
To strike the right balance between math content and plot, I spent a lot of time researching and brainstorming ideas for a game that would be both educational and entertaining. I considered various plots and scenarios that could be used to create an engaging game that would also allow students to practice math skills. Eventually, I settled on the idea of a detective game, where students would take on the role of a detective and use their math skills to solve crimes.