Teaching Angles Using Angry Birds

March 2016

As a Learning Leader, I am currently working with three grade 6 teachers and leading the design and implementation of a Math unit on measurement with angles.  We decided to use Angry Birds to hook the students.  We have had great discussions with the students about all the things that can be learned from the game.  Students have been challenged to design their own Angry Bird type game using a variety of angles and measurements and to follow a game development process.

In order to develop the mathematical concepts, we sent students in small groups around the school with digital cameras in search of angles. After printing out and sorting their photos into groups of similar angles, student discovered the four main types.  We will continue to develop understanding of the concepts needed for the project through a variety of methods of practice.

Once students have an understanding of the mathematical concepts, they will then begin designing a game level on paper, incorporating targets (pigs) and figuring out the angle and measurement needed for the projectile (birds) to hit the targets. After this part of the process is complete, we will then introduce the students to basic coding using Code Studio in order to create drawings of a variety of angles.  Students will also be introduced to Scratch to create a simple Angry Birds type game.

Sorting photos taken by students of types of angles found around the school

April 2016

Students have now completed their artistic designs of a level of an Angry Birds type game. See examples below.

Students also learned how to use block coding (Code Studio) to create a picture of an object or pattern that included at least four types of angles. See example below.

After this part of the process was complete, students were introduced to Scratch. Many students took on the challenge of trying to code a simple angle-type game. Some students are so "hooked" that they are working on their coding skills and game development in their spare time and at home.

Insights

Throughout the project, students showed a high level of interest and engagement.  Students came with prior knowledge of the game as many had already played it. By following a video game development process, students saw a real world application of math concepts. Students who struggled in the past on other projects, performed exceptionally well in this project.  In fact, one of the best drawings using block coding was created by two ESL students with very little English language skills.  Many students chose to and enjoyed working in small teams and saw the benefit of how their team members ideas and feedback can help design/create a successful product. A pre-test on angles was given at the beginning of the project. Post-test results showed an improvement in knowledge and understanding of angles for all students.