Exploding Dots is a math learning programme intended to improve student motivation and attainment in maths using inquiry-based learning techniques. The programme was originally developed in the US for primary and secondary school pupils. It has been delivered to over 6.8 million teachers and students in 168 countries.

​”la Caixa” Foundation has commissioned an efficacy trial in 80 schools in Spain where the programme had not been evaluated before. The Museum of Mathematics of Catalunya (MMACA) will deliver the programme to 7^th Grade pupils in public and semi-private schools in Catalonia, Andalusia and Aragon regions. Evaluators from Universidad de Oviedo will be assessing the impact of Exploding Dots using a bespoke measure of Computational Thinking as a primary outcome. Additionally, they will look at affective dimensions of maths education using the Attitudes Towards Maths Inventory. An Implementation and Process evaluation will be carried out alongside the Impact Evaluation and will look at acceptability and fidelity of the Exploding Dots programme in the Spanish context. 

Implementation started with teacher training in Spring 2023 and classroom delivery will take place from September 2023 to February 2024. Results will be published in 2024.

This study is commissioned and managed by ​”la Caixa” Foundation and has been funded by the Education Endowment Foundation, in partnership with the BHP Foundation, as part of the​“Building a global evidence ecosystem for teaching” project.