What

Fantasy Sports Math League (FSML) is a technology-based middle school math supplement that organizes real-time sports data in a fun way to improve student learning outcomes by making connections between math and the real world. Students draft fantasy teams, calculate scores powered by real statistics, and compete for leader board status all while practicing decimals, fractions, data visualization, and critical thinking. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education-IES, FSML was developed by dfusion, an education technology company that develops skills-enhancing mobile apps, educational games, and skill-building videos to empower educators, students, and families to learn math and science. All games have strict privacy policies that meet COPPA and FERPA guidelines. Find out more about FSML on Youtube! and the FSML Youtube Channel here.

Who

The study aims to include grades 6-8 math classes, after-school programs for middle school students, and other middle school classes interested in participating. Teachers will engage students in 4 to 6 weeks of Fantasy Sports Math League and associated resources for supporting math critical thinking, graphing, and math concepts. Teachers will: receive a teacher stipend (up to $1,200), complete two short surveys, optionally participate in an interview, and guide their classes through the 4 to 6-week FSML experience. Students will: complete 2 short surveys and participate in 4 to 6 weeks of FSML. Teachers can participate in the treatment group (play now through June), or in the control group (students complete surveys 4 weeks apart by mid-June and play FSML in the Fall 2026). Click here to find out more about stipends and express your interest in participating.

Why

Early adolescence is a crucial time to develop math skills and positive attitudes toward learning math; achievement in elementary and middle school is linked to success in high school, college, and beyond. Pilot studies with FSML have demonstrated increased student engagement and achievement – and teachers/facilitators enjoyed it too!

Benefits of Fantasy Sports Math League

• Easy to use features link to classroom learning and curriculum by tailoring equations, scoring, and graphs as a whole or individually
• Support materials facilitate grading, student interactions, scaffolding, and family engagement
• Teachers set score guides to reinforce and link to students’ current math curriculum concepts.
• Teachers see students’ attempts to solve digital score cards and graphs and can use these to identify math concepts needing review.

About the Study

The study is being conducted by Arroyo Research Services, a national education research and evaluation firm with strong experience in education technology research including randomized controlled trials and rigorous studies for the US Department of Education, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and dozens of universities and state education agencies. The current study will examine student math learning outcomes and math interest and engagement related to FSML.