Cannon Math

http://funschool.kaboose.com/formula-fusion/number-fun/games/game_cannon_math.html

This is a basic math game built for preschoolers and early elementary school students. It's set in a circus where a the player fires cartoon people out of a cannon and onto a landing pad. Each of the three landing pads has a number below it, which correlate as answers for a simple math problem displayed at the top of the screen. The player must solve the problem, then choose the angle and amount of power to fire their character onto the landing pad with the correct answer.

When I fist stumbled on this game, what really captured my attention was the simple interface and time to practice as much as I needed. It immediately helped build my confidence for the game ahead. Most of us are familiar with this style of game where the player uses angles and power to propel a projectile to a target. However, having a chance to become familiar with the game mechanics before I started playing the game made me feel more comfortable.

Once I started, it was clear that the game's math is aimed at preschool students since it is all basic addition. For that age group, the structure of the game is highly relevant because the process is simple and repetitive, giving the player a chance to practice the skill again and again. Also, there is no time limit on how long the player takes to shoot the cannon so a young player can count out the answer in whatever way they need to. This helps with confidence because the player can determine the answer in the way they find best in the time that they need. From that point the player can focus on getting the cannon to shoot at the right answer.

The game holds the player's attention by changing the scenario just as a level becomes tedious. At first the targets are static, but as the levels progress they start to move. Reaching each new level creates satisfaction as the challenge becomes more difficult. The math does not change difficulty, which can be seen as a plus or a minus. I feel that this is a benefit to a young player because it allows them to continue practicing the skills and start memorizing the formulas, which continues to build confidence.

Cannon Math is a motivating because it holds the player's attention, teaches them relevant skills through repetition that helps build confidence, and offers satisfying levels that are opened at just the right time. Considering the age group it is aimed at, it is a great way to teach simple addition.