Development of a Gamified Number Line App for Teaching Estimation and Number Sense in Grades 1 to 7

Abstract

Fraction knowledge is known to be a gatekeeper to more advanced mathematical learning. On the basis of the literature on early number learning, a number line mobile application called Catch the Carrot was designed to develop students’ knowledge of whole number and fraction magnitude. This paper aims to describe the design of the Catch the Carrot app and discusses the rationale for using number lines as representational scaffolds for developing children’s understanding of numbers, particularly their estimat ion and number sense skills. The gamification features of the app, as well as strategies for integration in a classroom are also presented. This app, which utilizes number line representations, is expected to deliver the benefits associated with using numb er lines in instruction as suggested by the literature. The next step is to investigate the extent to which the gamified number line app promotes number sense and mathematical competence.