With firing cannons, sinking ships, and a zombie pirate theme, Zombies vs. Exponents helps students grades 5-8 develop confidence using scientific notation in an approachable game-like environment.
The game concept is simple: players use the touchscreen to match up randomly generated numbers with their scientific notation equivalents. Each correct pairing clears some cloud cover, further revealing an enemy vessel. When all the clouds are cleared, the player fires a cannon to sink the ship.
Each question is randomly generated and contains three numerical values (displayed in blue) with the scientific notation equivalent for each (displayed in red). Base 10 is used exclusively and combined with exponents ranging from -4 to 6 (including zero for learning purposes).
Two difficulty settings are included. Level 1 displays groups of dissimilar values. Gameplay here is fairly easy but clearly demonstrates the difference between positive and negative powers of ten. Level 2 provides a greater challenge by grouping values of similar magnitude -- requiring students to closely examine each number before answering.
Scores are provided following each round of five shots. Both accuracy and time are combined to determine a fictional cash reward for each round. A running tally of earnings allows students to work towards a specific monetary goal and improve as they play.
To provide additional incentive, any player scoring a perfect round (i.e. 15 correct pairings with no errors) unlocks a significantly upgraded "mega cannon." The louder and more dramatic explosions are sure to catch the attention of fellow students -- motivating them to unlock their mega cannons as well.
Zombie vs. Exponents is designed to function equally well for both personal and classroom use. An optional reset feature zeroes the earnings tally and re-locks the Mega Cannon allowing each student to work towards individual achievement goals.