Math Magic Circles (MMC)
- Mexico
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
The specific problem being addressed is the low proficiency in basic mathematical operations among primary school students in Mexico. Recent assessments such as the PISA test(1) and MEJOREDU (2) report indicate that 59% of sixth-grade students struggle with basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. An additional 18% of students only achieve a basic level of proficiency.
This issue affects the academic performance of a significant number of students across the country, impeding their overall educational progress and limiting their future opportunities in STEM fields. The lack of effective teaching methods and engagement in mathematics contributes to the problem. Additionally, disparities in access to quality education and resources exacerbate the issue, particularly in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
This problem is not limited to Mexico; it affects children worldwide and requires innovative solutions to improve mathematical proficiency. The project aims to address these challenges by offering an educational tool that combines a playful approach with mnemonic techniques to improve students' understanding and mastery of basic mathematical operations.
This solution is already being used by more than 5,000 teachers in four Mexican states (Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora) in over 1,000 schools that received CMM didactic material and training for the teachers, benefiting more than 150,000 students.
(1) OECD. PISA 2022 Results: Factsheets Mexico. 2023. Pisa Results
(2) SEP. Evaluación diagnóstica del aprendizaje de las y los alumnos de educación básica 2022-2023. 2023. MEJOREDU
Our solution is an educational application that teaches primary school students basic mathematical operations through interactive video games. It leverages innovative technology and gamification to make learning fun, engaging, and effective for children.
The application uses a circular method to represent and teach eight fundamental mathematical operations simultaneously: two additions, two subtractions, two multiplications, and two divisions. This circular representation allows students to grasp mathematical concepts more efficiently compared to traditional methods. The use of visual elements, such as images and animations, aids in information retention and comprehension.
The application features 36 mini-games that encourage children to learn and practice arithmetic while having fun. These games are designed to be attractive and entertaining, motivating students to engage with mathematics regularly and improve their proficiency.
The physical version of this solution has already been used by thousands of children in more than 1,000 schools across Mexico. It has provided students with effective learning experiences and teachers with valuable didactic material and training. Now, we are in the process of building the video game version of this method to further expand its reach and impact.
Once completed, the app will be compatible with 95% of mobile devices running iOS and Android, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. By offering the application as a free download, we aim to make it accessible to students from all socio-economic backgrounds.
To sustain the application in the long term, we plan to offer two options for generating recurring revenue: users can view ads at the end of each game or pay a small fee to remove ads for a specified period.
The application's future user-friendly interface, engaging design, and effective teaching methods will provide an inclusive learning experience that caters to children of all genders and ages. By combining technology with education, we strive to transform the way children learn mathematics, fostering their interest in STEM fields and equipping them with essential skills for their future.
Our solution serves primary school students aged 6-14, including children of all genders and from various socio-economic backgrounds. The project will directly benefit 90% plus of students in México and beyond.
In the country and globally, students often face challenges with mastering basic mathematical operations due to limited access to quality educational resources and teaching methods. Additionally, the lack of engaging and innovative approaches to learning mathematics can hinder their academic progress and future opportunities, particularly in STEM fields.
Our application aims to address these needs by providing an interactive and fun learning experience through video games that teach the four fundamental mathematical operations. The application is based in an innovative circular method to represent mathematical basic facts, making learning more efficient and enjoyable.
The high accessibility of the application is ensured by its compatibility with 95.6% of households in the target age range that have access to a smartphone. This wide availability allows us to reach a broad audience, including vulnerable groups who may not have access to other educational resources.
The app's design encourages independent learning and provides immediate feedback through rewards and progress tracking. This helps students improve their mathematical skills, build confidence, and stay engaged in their studies. By fostering a love for learning and increasing students' engagement with mathematics, the application prepares them for future success in various fields.
Our team is well-positioned to deliver this solution due to our close proximity to the communities we aim to serve and our deep understanding of their needs and challenges. The project originated in 2010 as an alternative approach to teaching multiplication tables in a more engaging and effective way. Since then, we have worked closely with local schools and educators in Sonora and other Mexican states to implement the physical version of Círculos Mágicos Matemáticos (CMM) in over 1,000 schools.
Our team has built strong relationships with educators, school administrators, and community leaders in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora over the years. These connections have allowed us to gather valuable input from the communities and tailor our solution to their specific needs. Our close collaboration with these stakeholders ensures that the design and implementation of our solution align with the communities' priorities and educational goals.
The success of our physical materials and training programs, which have reached thousands of children and teachers, demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality educational resources that resonate with the target population. We have received positive feedback from teachers and students alike, highlighting the effectiveness of our approach in improving mathematical proficiency and engagement.
In partnership with organizations such as Rotary International and support from foundations and government agencies, we have expanded our reach and impact. This collaboration has enabled us to provide didactic materials and training to schools in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora, benefiting approximately 150,000 students.
Our team's diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to our ability to design a solution that is inclusive and culturally relevant. We prioritize ongoing communication with community members and educators to continuously improve our approach based on their feedback and evolving needs.
As we build the video game version of CMM, we remain committed to incorporating community input throughout the development process. This includes gathering feedback from teachers, students, and parents to ensure the application is user-friendly, engaging, and effective in teaching basic mathematical operations.
In summary, our team's strong relationships with the communities we serve, combined with our experience in delivering educational resources that address local needs, make us well-positioned to design and implement this solution successfully. Our proximity to the target population and commitment to community collaboration ensure that our solution aligns with their goals and agendas, ultimately leading to a meaningful and lasting impact on students' educational outcomes.
- Other
- 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality
- 17. Partnerships for the Goals
- Scale
The original project of Mathematical Magic Circles (MMC ) was born in 2010 as an alternative to the traditional way of learning multiplication tables. The first production of physical materials took place in 2014 to carry out the first interventions in 40 unitary schools of the National Council for Educational Development (CONAFE) system in the State of Sonora.
In 2015, it ventured into stationery stores thanks to the support of the National Institute of Entrepreneurs (INADEM). In 2017, with the support of the ‘Cano Vélez’ Foundation, 54 elementary schools in the cities of Hermosillo and Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico, received materials, and 120 teachers were trained in the use of this model.
In February 2018, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the State of Sonora conducted a pilot test at the ‘Faustino Fernández Aguilar’ elementary school in Hermosillo. The excellent results obtained prompted the first purchase of 7,000 math kits to supply 93 more schools and train about 250 teachers.
In September 2018, it was approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the State of Sonora (SEC) as a ‘Curricular Autonomy Club’ and in November of the same year, by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) of Mexico.
During 2019 and 2020, federal programs such as ‘Full-Time Schools’, ‘Schools of Quality’, ‘Gender Equity’, and the State Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples provided funds for about 35,000 children from 250 schools in Sonora to learn basic mathematical operations (BMO) with MMC, supported by about 1,300 teachers trained in the method.
In November 2021, MMC won a state contest with the proposal of a mobile app for video games based on the method.
In the summer of 2022, MMC began a project with District 4100 of Rotary International to provide educational materials to 1,200 public primary schools in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora and train 4,800 teachers and 1,200 primary school principals, benefiting 150,000 students. During the first half of 2023, alliances were signed with the Secretaries of Education of each of the 4 states, and by the end of 2023, the materials were distributed. During the first quarter of 2024, teachers have been taking the online course to apply the educational intervention strategy with their students, a new project with Rotary is being built to help 800 more schools in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes states, in benefit of 60,000 more students and first meetings have been made with both Colombian Rotary Districts to build a project for Colombian childhood.
Financial Barriers: Our project requires investors and partnership willing to invest in this innovative educational tool and do in his/her city or state the same thing we’re doing in México: help kids master math operations, restoring confidence a not to be afraid of the subject anymore.
Technical Barriers: While we have a strong conceptual foundation, we lack certain advanced technical skills. We believe Solve’s network includes experts who can mentor our team, enhancing our technical capabilities and helping us implement our solution more effectively.
Legal Barriers: Navigating the educational regulations and intellectual property laws is challenging. We seek guidance from Solve’s legal advisors to ensure compliance and protect our work, allowing us to focus on development without legal concerns.
Cultural Barriers: Our solution aims to be inclusive, but we face challenges in cultural adaptation. We anticipate that Solve’s culturally diverse community can provide valuable perspectives, helping us tailor our approach to resonate with various audiences.
Market Barriers: Reaching a wider audience and scaling our solution is crucial. We are looking for market insights and strategies from Solve’s partners to expand our impact and establish a sustainable presence in the educational sector.
We are not solely seeking funding; we are eager to engage with Solve’s community for its vast resources and collaborative opportunities that can propel our project forward.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Legal or Regulatory Matters
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
In this new stage of the project, a mobile video game application is being built. This app aims to replicate the CMM method to complement the learning and practice of the four basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), leveraging the increase in technology use among children and their preference for entertainment.
My solution is innovative for several reasons:
Visual and Playful Approach: The Mathematical Magic Circles (CMM) method uses circular figures with numbers and operators to present mathematical problems in a visually appealing way. This facilitates learning and memorization of basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a playful and entertaining manner.
Interactive Application: By combining the CMM method with an interactive application featuring mini-games, animations, and background music, children can learn and practice math while having fun. This can improve their motivation and engagement with learning.
Personalization: Each of the 36 magic circles has a unique image, making them memorable for children. This personalization helps children identify with mathematical problems and remember them more easily.
Expanding Reach: The application can reach a broader audience due to the adoption of technology in education. Children can access the app from mobile devices, allowing them to practice math anywhere, anytime.
Potential for Wider Impact: Adopting this method can change the market for math education by demonstrating that math can be taught effectively and enjoyably. This could drive greater investment in innovative, student-centered educational solutions.
Efficiency and Outcomes: By registering the magic circles in memory, students can easily interpret and retrieve a total of 288 basic mathematical operations without error. This has the potential to significantly improve their understanding and math skills in a short period.
In summary, my solution stands out due to its combination of visual teaching, playful approach, personalization, accessibility through technology, and efficiency in learning math. This can have a positive impact on children's math education and contribute to changing the educational market towards more innovative and effective methods.
How:
- I am developing a mobile video game application based on the Mathematical Magic Circles (CMM) method, which uses a circular figure with four numbers to teach eight basic mathematical operations in a playful and entertaining way.
- The app contains 36 mini-games, each associated with a specific CMM, allowing children to become familiar with the numbers and operations of each circle while they play.
Why:
- By combining learning with entertainment, children remain motivated and interested in practicing math.
- The mini-games facilitate the memorization and interpretation of eight basic mathematical operations for each CMM, helping children develop strong math skills.
- In the long term, children will have a robust mental framework for remembering and interpreting 288 basic mathematical operations without errors.
Evidence to support the links:
- Third-party research and impact evaluation findings show that playful learning methods effectively maintain children's attention and motivation.
- Data from interviews with the target population indicate that children enjoy the learning experience through games, which can increase their interest in and proficiency in math.
- Also, I have many reports made by schools and Ministries of Education in past projects I've made with the physical version of MMC.
In summary, my solution expects to have a significant impact on the problem by combining math teaching with a fun gaming experience, leading to greater engagement and success in learning from children.
Impact Goals:
Improved Mathematical Proficiency: In the first stage (2024-2025) we are going to increase the accuracy and speed with which 340,000 elementary school children in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora can solve basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) by at least 30%.
Increased Engagement with Math: To foster a sustained interest in learning mathematics among children through engaging and enjoyable mini-games based on the Mathematical Magic Circles (CMM) method.
Enhanced Educational Equity: To provide free access to quality math education tools for students across different socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
Supportive Learning Environments: To provide teachers and parents with effective resources to support students' learning, creating collaborative learning environments and fostering positive attitudes towards math.
Measuring Progress:
- Pre- and Post-Assessments: Measure students' proficiency in basic math operations before and after using the app to track improvements in accuracy and speed.
- User Engagement Metrics: Track usage statistics such as frequency and duration of app use, as well as the number of completed mini-games, to assess student engagement with the application.
- Feedback from Stakeholders: Collect feedback from students, teachers, and parents to understand the app's effectiveness and areas for improvement.
- Achievement Benchmarks: Monitor students' performance against established benchmarks, such as standardized test scores and progress in class, to evaluate the app's impact on their overall academic success.
- Long-term Retention: Conduct follow-up assessments to measure students' retention of mathematical concepts and skills over time.
- Progress Indicators: Track the number of schools and teachers using the app, as well as the number of students benefiting from the program, to gauge the overall reach and impact of the solution.
By setting these impact goals and measuring progress through the listed indicators, the project aims to create a transformational impact on students' lives by enhancing their math skills, confidence, and overall educational experience.
The core technology that powers our solution is a mobile video game application based on the Mathematical Magic Circles (CMM) method. This application leverages modern technology to teach elementary school children fundamental math operations in an engaging and effective manner. Here are the key components of the core technology:
Mobile Application: The app is designed for use on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible to a wide range of students. It provides an interactive and user-friendly platform for students to learn and practice math through mini-games based on the CMM method.
Educational Gaming: The app incorporates elements of gamification, including mini-games, challenges, and rewards, to create a fun and immersive learning experience for students. This approach helps maintain students' interest and motivation in learning math.
Visual and Interactive Learning: The CMM method uses circular representations of math problems, allowing students to interpret and solve eight basic mathematical operations at once. The app enhances this experience with engaging visuals, animations, and sound effects.
Data Analytics: The app collects data on students' performance and progress, enabling teachers and parents to monitor their learning outcomes. This data-driven approach allows for personalized learning and targeted interventions to support students' needs.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The app is designed to be accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities. It uses simple touch-screen controls and is available for free download, ensuring equitable access to quality math education.
Continuous Updates and Improvements: The app is regularly updated to incorporate new features, games, and content based on user feedback and emerging educational trends. This ensures that the app remains relevant and effective in meeting the learning needs of students.
By combining modern technology with evidence-based educational methods, our solution seeks to enhance students' math skills and confidence while promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. This approach aligns with our broader mission to drive innovation and solve challenges facing our community and the world.
- A new technology
Most of the evaluation efforts have been made by the Ministry of Education and Rotary District 4100. Those papers remain private but the positive results of those evaluations led to the first Inter-States project.
Baja California Sur State
Sonora State
Implementa SEC Sonora estrategia para elevar habilidades matemáticas (meganoticias.mx)
Baja California State
Sinaloa State
Rotary Project
Rotary Distrito 4100 trae un proyecto para apoyar la educación (debate.com.mx)
Círculos Mágicos Matemáticos – Rotary (rotary4100.org)
Schools reports
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Puerto Rico
Full and Permanent
- Project Director (Product Owner)
- Administrative Assistant
- Accountant
- Programmer
Development Project
- Project Manager (Scrum Master) and Auxiliary Programmer
- Programming Team Leader
- Graphic Interface Designer and Programmer
- Support Programmer and Tester
- Legal Advisor
Future asset
- Marketing Coordinator
I've been working in MMC for 14 years.
I've been having sales since 2017
We started working in the mobile app in 2024
Since my organization is in the making, most of the people it's been hired for certain period of time but all of us (and them) are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where all members feel welcome, respected, supported, and valued.
We really don't have any special hiring practices and always tried to development opportunities to help all team members grow and advance in their careers and keep contact with all of them.
Our business model focuses on providing educational value and impact to elementary school students, teachers, and parents through a mobile video game application based on the MMC method. This innovative approach to teaching fundamental math operations offers students a fun and engaging way to learn and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Key Customers and Beneficiaries:
- Students: Elementary school students benefit from an interactive, game-based learning experience that helps them develop essential math skills and boost their confidence in mathematics.
- Teachers: Educators gain a valuable resource for enhancing math instruction and supporting students' learning with engaging and effective tools.
- Parents: Parents appreciate having a reliable, educational app for their children that combines learning with play.
Products and Services:
- Mobile Application: The primary product is the mobile video game application that provides students with access to a series of mini-games based on the CMM method. These games are designed to teach and reinforce math concepts in a fun and memorable way.
- Physical Version: In addition to the mobile app, we offer a box set of physical board games based on the MMC method. This set includes a bingo game with images, a memory game, and a flashcards game. These physical games provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
- Teacher Support Materials: We provide a comprehensive book for teachers that outlines how to adapt the method, materials, games, and activities to their official teaching program. This resource ensures that teachers can seamlessly integrate the CMM method into their curriculum.
- Teacher Training Platform: We offer an online course for training teachers in the CMM method, enabling them to effectively use the app and physical materials in their classrooms.
Delivery and Distribution:
- The mobile app is available for download on popular app stores, including Google Play and the Apple App Store, making it easily accessible to students and their families.
- We partner with schools and educational organizations to promote the app and provide training to teachers on how to use it effectively in the classroom.
Revenue Model:
- In-App Advertising: We offer the app for free and generate revenue through in-app advertising. Users can view ads at the end of each game session.
- Premium Subscription: We offer a premium subscription option that allows users to remove ads and access additional features for a monthly or annual fee.
- Partnerships and Sponsorships: We seek partnerships and sponsorships from educational institutions, NGOs, and corporations interested in supporting education and STEM initiatives.
Why They Need It:
- Students benefit from a fun and engaging approach to learning math, which can improve their skills and confidence in the subject.
- Teachers appreciate having an effective tool to supplement their math instruction and keep students motivated.
- Parents value a reliable, educational app for their children that combines learning with entertainment.
By providing students with an enjoyable and effective way to learn math, while also offering support to teachers and parents, our business model aims to create a positive impact on the education of young learners and contribute to their long-term success.
- Organizations (B2B)
Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of revenue streams that will enable us to fund our work and cover our expected expenses in the long term. We aim to generate revenue through the following methods:
In-App Advertising: We offer the mobile app for free and generate revenue through in-app advertising. Users view ads at the end of each game session, providing a steady stream of ad revenue.
Premium Subscription: We offer a premium subscription option that allows users to remove ads and access additional features for a monthly or annual fee. This subscription model provides a recurring source of income.
Sales of Physical Products: We sell physical versions of the Math Magic Circles, including board games and educational materials. These products generate additional revenue and appeal to customers who prefer tangible learning resources.
Partnerships and Sponsorships: We seek partnerships and sponsorships from educational institutions, NGOs, and corporations interested in supporting education and STEM initiatives. These partnerships can provide funding and support for our work.
Grants and Donations: We apply for grants and accept donations from organizations and individuals who believe in our mission and want to support our educational initiatives.
Evidence of Success:
- Grants and Funding: We have received grants from various organizations, including Rotary International, which supports our work with schools in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora. These grants have allowed us to expand our reach and impact.
- Revenue from Physical Products: Sales of our physical board games and educational materials have generated revenue and demonstrated demand for our products.
- Positive Feedback and Engagement: We have received positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents who have used our app and physical products. This feedback indicates a strong interest in our solution and supports its continued success.
By diversifying our revenue streams and focusing on sustainable sources of funding, we are confident in our ability to achieve financial sustainability and continue providing valuable educational resources to students, teachers, and parents. Our success so far, including grants received and revenue generated, demonstrates the potential for our solution to make a lasting impact in the field of education.