Negative Numbers with 'Minus Miners'
Mathematics skills covered
Age 9-12
- Addition and subtraction of negative numbers
- Multiplication and division of negative numbers
- 1, 2, and 3 operations (-2 + -2 = -4 ) (-2 + -2 + 3 = -1) (-2 + -2 + 3 + -2 = -3)
- +/- operators ( -5 + -2 = -7) (-5 - -2 = -3)
- Bidmas
- Decimal Numbers
How to play
Minus Miners is a single player, educational game that focuses on negative numbers. Players need to correctly complete equations containing negative numbers to move their character to tunnels, to mine all the treasure and become bathed in riches.
Here's what to do:
- Select a tunnel by clicking on its corresponding number
- The lift will begin to move the character to that tunnel, however obstacles will push the lift too far or not far enough
- An equation will appear
- Input the correct answer to move the lift to the selected tunnel
- The closest piece of treasure will be mined and coins will be earned
- Lives will be lost each time an answer is incorrect
- Repeat this process until all treasure is mined or all lives are lost
Other notable features:
Boulders will fall down into tunnels which blocks them from being mined for that question. They may become available to mine again after the question is complete.
- Chest and keys will be dotted around the level. Mine the key in order to open the chest and reap the rewards.
- Use hard earned coins to buy items in the shops to customise characters.
Mathematical Thinking
Minus Miners is focussed on negative numbers. The game uses a vertical number line to help visualise negative numbers. The game is based underground to help link the maths to a real world concept - the idea of going underground into a negative depth.
In the game, players must complete equations in order to mine treasure. The equation relates to the position the lift is on the numberline. The starting number of the equation is always the position the lift is at on the numberline. The last number (sum) is always the position of the selected tunnel. Players are then able to use the numberline as an aid, counting up and down the line, to help them answer questions.
In the beginning levels of the game (levels 1-6) a directional assistant, shown as arrows, is used to help indicate to students which direction their answer would move the lift, before they have to submit. Helping to aid students’ understanding of how the sign of number will affect it’s direction along the numberline.
Level | Mine | Title | Description |
1 | Coal | Add and subtract integers to -10 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using integers between -10 and 10 |
2 | Coal | Add and subtract integers to -20 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using integers between -20 and 20 |
3 | Coal | Add and subtract integers to -50 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using integers between -50 and 50 |
4 | Gold | Multiply and divide integers to -20 | Complete multiplication and division number sentences using integers between -20 and 20 |
5 | Gold | Multiply and divide integers to -50 | Complete multiplication and division number sentences using integers between -50 and 50 |
6 | Gold | Multiply and divide integers to -100 | Complete multiplication and division number sentences using integers between -100 and 100 |
7 | Ruby | Add and subtract decimals to -1 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using decimals between -1 and 1 |
8 | Ruby | Add and subtract decimals to -2 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using decimals between -2 and 2 |
9 | Ruby | Add and subtract decimals to -5 | Complete addition and subtraction number sentences using decimals between -5 and 5 |
Scoring Information
Treasure values + Speedy time bonuses + Chest bonus = Score
Each mine is made up of 3 levels. In each mine a different treasure is mined. There are currently 3 treasure mines in the game:
- Coal Mine
- Gold Mine
- Ruby Mine
Players mine the treasure and earn coins. Each type of treasure - coal, gold and ruby - is worth a different amount. Ruby is worth the most then gold and finally coal. There will only ever be one type of treasure in a level at a time.
Each treasure is then broken down further into 3 different sizes. The larger the treasure, the harder the question. The larger the treasure, the more points it's worth.
- Large - Hard difficulty - worth the most
- Medium - Medium difficulty
- Small - Easy difficulty - worth the least
The difficulty of the question is translated in the amount of coins earned.
Scoring calculation
Stage | Level Number | Type of Treasure | Small value | Medium value | Large Value | Chest Value | 1 star/ Bronze | 2 stars/ Silver | 3 stars/ Gold |
1 | 1 - 3 | Coal | 5 | 25 | 50 | 75 | 60 | 140 | 240 |
2 | 4 - 6 | Gold | 10 | 50 | 100 | 120 | 130 | 290 | 450 |
3 | 7 - 9 | Ruby | 20 | 100 | 200 | 240 | 260 | 580 | 700 |
