Dragon Box Algebra 5+ - WeWantToKnow AS

This review of Dragon Box Algebra 5+ was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 6 September 2018.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Dragon Box Algebra 5+ contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

Chapter 2 – level 50

App description

Dragon Box Algebra 5+ is a game designed to convey the concept of algebra through a picture card game. The game begins with 2 separate fields on screen. Each field contains a number of picture cards and on one side – a box with a star on it. To advance to the next level, players must isolate the star box on one side of the playing field. To do this, players must combine cards together (which creates a green galaxy looking card) – then once this card is pressed, it disappears – eventually isolating the star box. There are a number of ways to combined cards to achieve this. For example, each card has a “night card” equivalent – by dragging and dropping onto each other – it creates the removable galaxy card. As the game progresses, the picture cards are substituted with mathematical symbols and hence the concepts of algebra start to appear (e.g., the star box card – which needs to be isolated – is replaced with the “x” symbol).

Reviewers comments

In theory, this game seems like a great idea – and for those with an aptitude for maths – it is. However, there are some problems with the whole concept which may leave some children feeling a bit confused (and for others – the whole algebra point may be missed). The tutorial at the start is very simple and clear and most children would be able to learn what needs to be done to isolate the star box (or “x”). This illustrates the “how” part, however the “why” part isn’t so evident. The point of the game is to teach the basics of algebra, but there’s no explanation as to why the mathematical symbols are doing what they’re doing. Hence, it’s a very rote or “parrot” way of learning and misses the depth in learning that is required for solid understanding and learning retention. Developers may argue that the mechanics of algebra may be too complex to convey to such a young demographic – to be fair they have done a reasonable job to get children playing at least – but some children, especially ones that already struggle with mathematical concepts might be left feeling inadequate because they still don’t understand it…even after extended playing and successful level progression (which ironically, is achievable without really understanding the maths).

In App purchasing

None.

Online information

None.

Gambling

At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content.  If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review.

Advertising and product placement

None.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

None of concern.

Coarse language

None.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

None.

Other

See reviewer’s comments

Got a suggestion?

You can contact us if you have suggestions of other children's apps to review.