🎓 Teacher's Guide

Ocean Math Subtraction Adventure - Subtraction Practice Game

📐 Arizona State Math Standards (K-3)

The game uses Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 to correspond with First, Second, and Third Grade standards as outlined below:

Level 1 (First Grade Standards)

• 1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems

• 1.OA.C.6: Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10

• 1.NBT.C.5: Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less

Level 2 (Second Grade Standards)

• 2.OA.B.2: Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies

• 2.NBT.B.5: Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value

• 2.NBT.B.7: Add and subtract within 1000 using concrete models or drawings

Level 3 (Third Grade Standards)

• 3.NBT.A.2: Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms

• 3.OA.D.8: Solve two-step word problems using the four operations

• 3.OA.C.7: Fluently multiply and divide within 100 (foundational subtraction skills)

💻 Arizona Educational Technology Standards

• Empowered Learner: Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing and achieving their learning goals

• Knowledge Constructor: Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools

• Creative Communicator: Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively using digital platforms

♿ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

Multiple Means of Engagement

• Ocean theme provides motivating, child-friendly context

• Student choice in difficulty level promotes autonomy

• Immediate, positive feedback sustains effort and persistence

• Visual progress tracking through score display

Multiple Means of Representation

• Large, clear text with colorful visual design

• Numeric problems with visual feedback elements

• Graduated difficulty levels accommodate diverse learners

• Hints provided as scaffolding support

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

• Keyboard input for numeric answers

• Second-chance opportunities with partial credit

• Self-paced learning progression

• Detailed performance feedback for reflection

🎮 How the Game Works

Note: The game displays "Level 1", "Level 2", and "Level 3" to students, which correspond to First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade standards respectively. This leveling system reduces anxiety and allows students to choose appropriately challenging content without grade-level stigma.

• Student Entry: Students enter their first name and select their adventure level (Level 1 = Grade 1, Level 2 = Grade 2, Level 3 = Grade 3)

• Question Bank: 25 questions per level ensure variety (10 questions selected per game)

• Gameplay:

  • Students solve 10 subtraction problems

  • First attempt: Full credit (10 points) if correct

  • Second attempt: Half credit (5 points) with helpful hint

  • After two attempts: Correct answer is shown, students move forward

• Continuous Feedback: Score updates in real-time at the top of screen

• Results Report: Comprehensive performance analysis at game end

🎯 Educational Purpose

• Formative Assessment: Provides immediate data on student understanding

• Differentiated Practice: Three levels accommodate diverse learners

• Growth Mindset: Second chances encourage persistence and learning from mistakes

• Self-Assessment: Students see their own strengths and areas for growth

📊 Use Cases

• Independent Practice: Students work at their own pace during math centers

• Formative Assessment: Teachers collect screenshots to identify learning needs

• Intervention: Targeted practice for students needing subtraction support

• Partner Learning: Students work in pairs using individual whiteboards to solve each problem, discuss their strategies, and agree on a final answer before submitting - promotes mathematical discourse and collaborative problem-solving

• Manipulative Integration: Students use physical manipulatives (base-ten blocks, counters, number lines) to model each problem before entering their answer - builds concrete understanding of abstract concepts

• Progress Monitoring: Track student growth over multiple play sessions

📈 Assessment Integration

The compact results screen is designed for easy screenshotting and LMS submission. Teachers can:

• Identify students who excel with first-try answers

• Recognize patterns in errors (e.g., borrowing/regrouping challenges)

• Group students for targeted instruction based on results

• Track progress over time through multiple play sessions

🎨 Number of Questions & Variety

• Questions per game: 10 questions

• Question bank size: 25 questions per grade level

• Total questions: 75 unique subtraction problems across all levels

• Randomization: Questions shuffled each game for replay value

Close Guide

Designer: Dana Leonardo

AI Disclosure: This educational game was created with assistance from AI technology (Canva) to support mathematics instruction and student engagement. While AI tools can be helpful, they may make mistakes. It is the teacher's responsibility to review and verify all content for accuracy and appropriateness before use with students.