What is this feature?

Playlab has partnered with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to bring Illustrative Mathematics curriculum into the global references library, allowing you to build custom AI apps that leverage the entire Illustrative Mathematics curriculum without having to manually upload lesson plans, course guides, and other materials.

Rationale for the feature

Most curricula, including Illustrative Mathematics, are designed for paper, not for AI models. For example, variables and equations are stored as images, and concept maps have no clear link to unit plans or lessons when read by an AI model. Simply uploading curriculum into an AI model doesn’t work effectively without modifying and restructuring the underlying data.

Working closely with the team at CZI, we’ve restructured Illustrative Mathematics content into a format that works well with AI, making significant improvements to our core Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technology.

Watch How to Build with IM in Playlab

Watch a video demonstration of how to sign into Playlab for the first time.

Watch How to Leverage Workspace References

Where can I access the feature?

1

Log into your Playlab account and open your Playlab Builder

2

Click the References icon on the right sidebar

3

Click and select 'Browse libraries'

4

Under 'Curricula & standards' select Illustrative Mathematics

How to use Illustrative Mathematics

1

Browse the Illustrative Mathematics reference library

Access all IM resources organized by grade, unit, and additional resources.

2

Select specific references

Choose which specific materials you want to add to your app as you browse through the library.

3

Add references to your app

Click “Add to App” to attach the selected references to your specific Playlab app.

4

Build your app with IM curriculum integration

Your app can now leverage the structured Illustrative Mathematics content.

Benefits of the IM Integration

  • Improved Accuracy: Organized data helps AI retrieve precise and relevant information for students and educators.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: Clear structure allows for faster, more direct responses, reducing confusion.
  • Support for Diverse Learners: Structured content helps the model adapt to different learning needs with tailored explanations and examples.
  • Facilitated Connections: Organized data enables AI to link concepts, making learning more integrated and meaningful. This is reflected in references around pacing, dependencies, and scoping.
  • Reduced Errors: Clear data prevents misunderstandings and ensures trustworthy responses in educational contexts.
  • Easy Updates: Well-structured data is easier to update and expand, ensuring materials stay aligned with evolving standards.
  • FAQ

    We Want Your Feedback!

    As an early user of the Illustrative Mathematics integration, we’re asking you to help us validate that this works for you! We’re working with Illustrative Mathematics experts across the US to help validate our integration and create robust core apps that you can use or adapt to your context.

    Contact us at [email protected]


    Last updated: 3/21/2025