Comics series to make mathematics easy

Everyone remembers their childhoods most haunting memories of struggling to make sense of mathematics and failing more times than they would like to admit.

While the subject has remained among the most difficult ones, understanding it now has become easier with interactive teaching methods including mobile applications.

No a Bengaluru-based startup, Cuemath, has introduced original motion comics to help students improve their problem-solving ability in the subject.

Backed by Sequoia Capital and CapitalG, the startup has launched this first-of-its kind Mathematical Universe for students across K-8 to engage them better in order to strengthen their foundation in the subject.

The project, which will be rolling out to more than 20,000 students, includes stories that have been divided into three levels ranging from class K-2, class 3-5 and class 6-8.

"This has been done after carefully analysing the students responses to content across media like storybooks, puzzle, games, applications and televised programs. It would would not only excite kids to learn the subject but will also help them in building a strong foundation," Manan Khurma, Cuemaths founder and CEO, said.

The motion comics, which have been developed by a four- member team, would be released periodically over a series of classes at education centers run by Cuemath.

"We have created all the characters and the fictional universe they belong to with immense detail, keeping in mind the triggers for children across different age groups," he said.

Within each of these categories, Cuemath has developed a set of characters who embark on math-based adventures in stories that enable the student to tangibly interact with the infinite possibilities of the Mathematical universe.

For instance, in one of the comic script "Thomas Tallman and Friends", Thomas is the newest kid in the odd little town of oddity, and quickly becomes the towns expert in solving problem after he discovers a book on mathematics.

Similarly, in "Kalina and the Shards of Singularity" designed for students of Class 6-8, tells the story of Kalina who travels across the universe with her trusted AI partner/sidekick, the Djinn, while breaking complex codes and discovering the mysterious mathematical origins of the stars.

"We believe that students can understand mathematics better by themselves, simply by following their heroes on thrilling feats and escapades that pique their curiosity into the underlying scientific processes.

"With this type of learning we want to help remove the fear of mathematics in children and bring them closer to strengthening this life skill," Khurma said.