Number Factory is a collaborative educational game designed to integrate the learning of basic math operations. Students are challenged to perform addition and subtraction calculations to make the numbers on two machines equal, which then allows them to build virtual toys. The challenges are generated randomly, ensuring new calculation combinations in every round.
The main objective is to make the numbers displayed on both machines equal. To do this, players must apply addition or subtraction operations to one number (or both, depending on the challenge) until the final result matches.
The game can be played collaboratively, encouraging teamwork. Difficulty levels — Easy, Normal, and Advanced — can be selected on the start screen, allowing the activity to adapt to students’ progress and skill level.
This game is an excellent tool to introduce or reinforce addition and subtraction concepts in a fun and engaging way.
It also promotes group work, allowing students to discuss strategies and collaborate to solve the challenges.
The different difficulty levels make it easy to adapt the activity to the needs of each class or individual student, offering challenges that respect each child’s learning pace.
Additionally, the game can be used as an active break, helping to refresh the classroom routine with a dynamic activity that also reinforces math content.
Observe how students interact during the game, which strategies they use, whether they ask for help, and how they collaborate. These aspects can be more revealing than the final score. Take note of which types of calculations (addition or subtraction) or which number ranges are most challenging for the class.
Encourage students to verbalize their reasoning with questions like: “How did you think to reach that result?”
Expand the activity by asking students to create their own challenges on paper, inspired by the game’s mechanics. They can then exchange challenges with classmates and solve them. Use this moment to discuss which strategies were most effective to solve the problems and make the numbers match in different situations.
