BrainQuake

@brainquake.bsky.social

42 Followers 123 Following

We support innovative math teachers to increase students' math thinking skills and confidence. Our supplemental puzzles increase problem-solving skills by ~20%, & have been recognized 3x by the US Dept of Education's SBIR program. www.brainquake.com

The image displays a sample, representative page in an algebra textbook. The image provides an example of contrasting approaches to developing mathematical conceptual thinking.
The image presents three math puzzles on number sense, linear growth and functions, and proportional reasoning. The puzzles were designed to break the Symbol Barrier, or the obstacle to learning that math's symbols and syntax presents to many math learners. The puzzles feature high quality graphics and cute characters to minimize math anxiety and increase potential engagement. BrainQuake's puzzles are backed by a number of third-party research studies speaking to their efficacy and validity. www.brainquake.com
The image depicts a linear growth and functions problem. The puzzle design allows users to engage with complex mathematical thinking without requiring a formal knowledge of math's symbols and syntax. Transfer to using the symbols and syntax occurs later in the BrainQuake platform once students have developed a conceptual understanding as well as an increased sense of math self-confidence and self-efficacy.
The image depicts a proportional reasoning puzzle. Players have 45 units to distribute to two tanks with a capacity of 75 and 60 units, respectively. Players allocate their 45 units, using multiple turns, by setting a rectangular mechanism, divided into eighths, in accordance with their prospective solutions.
The image presents a complex proportional reasoning puzzle. The goal is to distribute, over multiple turns, 100 units into four tanks, with values of 90, 30, 135, and 45. A distribution mechanism allows for control of the allocation of the 100 units via the creation of four separate partitions of a circle, represented in percentages.
The image displays a teacher's view of BrainQuake's Tiles puzzle. This example is rated as Hard in terms of difficulty. The image illustrates how teachers can pull up puzzle examples on the BrainQuake platform for use in small group instruction without needing to assign a puzzle to students in the school's LMS.
The image presents a complex, puzzle-based proportional reasoning problem. Players, over multiple turns, distribute 100 units into four tanks, seeking to fill all tanks simultaneously. The four tanks have a value of 90, 30, 135, and 45.
Number sense puzzle, linear growth and functions puzzle, proportional reasoning puzzle examples. Each puzzle is specifically designed to support students to develop the mathematical thinking skills reflected in the Standards for Mathematical Practice, as well as Common Core standards' skills.