This document discusses how the popular mobile game Pokémon Go can be used to teach mathematical concepts in an engaging way. It provides examples of how specific math syllabus points for Stage 3, such as ordering and representing numbers, using maps and grids, measuring length and mass, collecting and displaying data, and telling time, can be covered through Pokémon Go activities. These include tasks like ordering Pokémon by CP, length, or mass; measuring distances to hatch eggs; mapping in-game locations; tabling and graphing Pokémon types, items, and step counts; and generating timelines. The conclusion states that integrating Pokémon Go allowed for fun, meaningful math learning aligned with curriculum outcomes.

1. Using PokemonGO in Maths
Vivian Harris
Twitter: @vivianharris45
Email: vivianharris1966@gmail.com

2. What is PokemonGO
PokémonGo is an augmented reality
digital game for mobile devices where
participants have to collect Pokémon
characters in real environments. It
builds on a successful card game, TV
series and computer game.

3. Why use
PokémonGO in
the classroom
500 million downloads of
this free app since July
20 million daily active
users
Authentic learning
Lots of maths and science
in it.

4. But we’ve banned it at
my school……….

5. Missed educational opportunity but
You can still assume that most students know about it and use
it for a fun week of PokemonGO Maths.
Look at these Stage 3 syllabus points we covered.
Link: PokemonGO in Maths

6. Introducing
Pokemon to the
class
MA3-4NA orders, reads and represents integers of any size and
describes properties of whole numbers
● Recognise, represent and order numbers to at least tens
of millions
Hand them photocopied pictures of
different Pokemon. Point out the
CP(Combat Points), height, length,
evolve points to familiarise students

7. Mapping
MA3-17MG locates and describes position on maps using a grid-
reference system
5
35
Compare online game map to real
features.
What direction do you have to walk to get
to the nearest gym? Remember that
north is not always at the top you have to
look at the compass.
When a Pokemon appears what direction
is it from you? What does dark green
represent? blue? Grey?
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8. Length
MA3-9MG selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to
measure lengths and distances, calculates perimeters, and
converts between units of length
Print out the Pokemons in
your Pokedex? Order them in
order of length? Find
something in the classroom
that is the same length as
each Pokemon.

9. Length cont.
MA3-9MG selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to
measure lengths and distances, calculates perimeters, and
converts between units of length
How much further do I have to
walk to hatch each of these
eggs? In Kilometres? in
metres?
MA3-7NA compares, orders and calculates with fractions, decimals and
percentages

10. Length cont..
MA3-9MG selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to
measure lengths and distances, calculates perimeters, and
converts between units of length
MA3-7NA compares, orders and calculates with fractions,
decimals and percentages

11. Mass
MA3-12MG selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to
measure the masses of objects, and converts between units of
mass
Print out the Pokemons in your
Pokedex? Order them in order
of mass? Find something in
the classroom that is the same
mass as each Pokemon.

12. Mass cont.
How much mass do
Pokemon gain/lose
when they evolve?
MA3-12MG selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to
measure the masses of objects, and converts between units of
mass
MA3-7NA compares, orders and calculates with fractions,
decimals and percentages

13. Multiplication
MA3-6NA selects and applies appropriate strategies for
multiplication and division, and applies the order of
operations to calculations involving more than one
operation

14. Data
MA3-18SP uses appropriate methods to collect data and
constructs, interprets and evaluates data displays, including
dot plots, line graphs and two-way tables
Tabulate and graph the
different types of
Pokemon in my Pokedex

15. Data cont...
Graphing the different
items in my bag
MA3-18SP uses appropriate methods to collect data and constructs, interprets
and evaluates data displays, including dot plots, line graphs and two-way tables

16. Data cont...
Create graphs of your Pokemon types? How many Grass, Water, Bug etc
Create Venn diagrams to show the relationships? Eg a Venonat is in the
overlap between Grass and Poison.
Graph your capture data for each day? What days are best? Is there a
pattern?
Graph your pokestop items for each day?
Tabulate and Graph your daily pedometer steps for a week.
Graph the heights and weights of your Pokemon
Graph the experience points needed to progress to each level. It will be an
exponential graph.

17. Time
MA3-13MG uses 24-hour time and am and pm notation in real-life situations, and constructs timelines

18. Open ended questions

19. Conclusion
The students and I had a fun week concentrating on Pokemon Maths with
meaningful content covered.
Working Mathematically
Students will develop understanding and fluency in mathematics through inquiry,
exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-
solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning