Slice Fractions 2

Slice Fractions 2 is an intuitive puzzle game that introduces important concepts needed to understand fractions and helps kids get over their fear of mathematics.

According to the National Science Board, society’s need for scientists and engineers is constantly rising. Sadly, too many students are growing a fear of mathematics in their childhood. This problem starts as early as in elementary schools, where “difficulty with fractions is pervasive and is a major obstacle to further progress in mathematics” (US National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008). Succeeding to engage kids with fractions is a very important change that would have global consequences for our society.

Our team’s goal is to have a lasting impact on how children learn. Slice Fractions 2 stands clear of more traditional “drill” exercises and teaches through self-discovery, without using any word. This sequel introduces creatures that move, multiply and reveal hidden fractions.

By manipulating visual representations of fractions, players gradually make sense of numbers that are typically scary and counter-intuitive. This sequel reintroduces fractions using the part-whole partitioning approach, then introduces the numerical notation through symbols. New mechanics teach more advanced concepts, the most important being: fraction multiplication, finding the common denominator and fractions bigger than 1. Professors from the Math department of the UQAM university were actively involved in designing mechanics and new levels.

We are hoping this sequel will have an even larger impact than the first app, which reached over 1 million players, and was found to have a significant impact on students’ understanding of fractions. Quote from a UQAM university professor on the study: “Three hours of play in the classroom were sufficient to enable our third-grade subjects to achieve a level of performance comparable to that of fourth-grade students in the United States and Quebec.”. The university is doing a follow-up study with the sequel. The app currently has an average of 4.8 stars with 1334 ratings worldwide.

The sequel to the acclaimed and multi award-winning game Slice Fractions - Best of 2014 and Editor’s choice of the Apple Store.

Help Mammoth get his stolen hat back with the support of new creatures that move, multiply and reveal hidden fractions. Embark on a surprising journey in this puzzle game designed for children 6-12-year-old.

FEATURES
• Learn fraction concepts without words
• Experience an activity designed with researchers at a Canadian university (UQAM)
• Solve over 100 unique physics puzzles in 3 colorful worlds
• Find and collect friendly pets that follow you in your adventure
• Play in a safe, digital environment: no ads or in-app purchases

LEARNING METHODS
• A UQAM study has shown the original Slice Fractions significantly improved students performances by +10,5% on the standard test “Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study” (TIMSS) after only 3 hours of gameplay
• An approach based on visual representations and manipulatives that improves kids’ conceptual understanding of fractions

FRACTION CONCEPTS
• Part-whole partitioning
• Numerator / Denominator notation
• Equivalent fractions
• Fraction multiplication
• Finding the common denominator
• Fractions bigger than 1

TEACHERS
Slice Fractions 2 is based on the following Common Core concepts: (2.G.A.2) (2.G.A.3) (3.NF.A.1) (3.NF.A.3) (4.NF.A.1) (4.NF.B.3) (4.NF.B.4) (5.NF.A.1) (5.NF.B.3).

Slice Fractions and Slice Fractions 2 are complementary and cover different learning concepts inspired by the Common Core. No preliminary knowledge of fractions is required.
For the complete learning experience get the Slice Fractions Bundle.

ULULAB
We produce fun and pedagogically sound video games. We strive to ensure that these games are intuitive and will lead to profound conceptual learning. We believe we can push the limits of game-based learning.

What makes my game unique?

Dr Dube, the director from the Technology, Learning, & Cognition Lab at McGill university, describes why our approach stands out from the educational game market: “Essentially, other math games use rewards to keep children practicing math while Slice Fractions makes math rewarding. The medium of educational video games is still in its infancy. While a growing body of research shows the great pedagogical potential of video games, products that fully exploit this potential, like Slice Fractions, are still the exception rather than the norm. [...] Creating an educational game that is both pedagogically sound as well as commercially successful requires integrating deep knowledge of how children learn with insights into why children play; Ululab’s previous and future games will serve as exemplars of this difficult balance.”