> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.playlab.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Illustrative Mathematics knowledge graph tool in Playlab

> Access comprehensive curriculum content and standards through AI-powered knowledge graph queries of the IM Curriculum

## What is this Feature?

<Note>
  🧪 This feature is currently in BETA and available to all users
</Note>

The Illustrative Mathematics Knowledge Graph Tool transforms your Playlab apps by providing direct access to a comprehensive database of curriculum content, educational standards, lesson materials, and instructional resources from Illustrative Mathematics. Rather than relying on generic AI responses about math concepts, your app can now query specific, curriculum-aligned content that understands how every mathematical concept connects within the IM framework.

<Warning>
  Enabling this tool will modify your app's behavior to prioritize specific IM curriculum queries over general mathematical responses.
</Warning>

## Watch How to Leverage the IM Knowledge Graph Tool

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWZUVA6V5CLsLF1qg-rzqP8hs6b68wvH/preview" frameBorder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen style={{ width: "100%", maxWidth: "720px", aspectRatio: "16 / 9", margin: "1.5rem auto", display: "block" }} />

<figcaption>How to leverage State Standards</figcaption>

## Setup Instructions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Tools Panel">
    Navigate to the **Tools** section in your Playlab builder interface.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the IM Knowledge Graph Tool">
    Select **Illustrative Mathematics Knowledge Graph Tool** from the available MCP tools list.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/playlabai/3KUkXnizECw3JUVl/images/imkgtool.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=3KUkXnizECw3JUVl&q=85&s=e5d93a5ed504684b8311c2e6b9dcf8b1" alt="Adding IM Knowledge Graph Tool to Playlab" width="998" height="266" data-path="images/imkgtool.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Your App Prompt">
    Add these instructions to your Playlab app prompt for optimal performance:

    ```text theme={null}
    You have access to the IM knowledge graph tool for curriculum-specific queries. 
    When users ask about mathematical concepts, teaching strategies, or curriculum 
    content, prioritize IM Knowledge Graph results over general knowledge. You can 
    display relevant images from IM materials using markdown format to enhance 
    explanations with visual content.
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test Different Query Types">
    Validate the tool works correctly by testing various query categories:

    **Concept Queries:** "How does IM approach teaching fractions in grade 3?"

    **Resource Requests:** "Find IM activities for area and perimeter introduction"

    **Standards Alignment:** "What standards does IM Grade 5 Unit 4 cover?"

    **Learning Progressions:** "How does IM sequence ratio and proportion concepts?"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Optimize Integration">
    Refine your app instructions based on testing results to maximize the tool's effectiveness for your specific use case.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Understanding Knowledge Graphs in Education

### What Makes This Different

A curriculum knowledge graph goes beyond simple content storage. It maps the relationships between educational concepts, learning objectives, and teaching strategies in ways that mirror how students actually learn and how expert educators design instruction.

### The IM360 Advantage

This knowledge graph captures the pedagogical reasoning behind Illustrative Mathematics curriculum design. It understands:

* **Sequential Logic:** Why concepts appear in specific order
* **Conceptual Connections:** How mathematical ideas build upon each other
* **Teaching Strategies:** Specific IM approaches to common misconceptions
* **Assessment Integration:** How formative and summative assessments align

## Key Capabilities

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Curriculum Content Access" icon="book">
    Query specific lesson plans, activities, and instructional materials aligned to IM's research-based scope and sequence
  </Card>

  <Card title="Standards Integration" icon="clipboard-check">
    Find direct connections between IM content and educational standards across all grade levels
  </Card>

  <Card title="Learning Progression Mapping" icon="route">
    Understand conceptual development within the IM curriculum framework and across grade levels
  </Card>

  <Card title="Assessment Resources" icon="clipboard-list">
    Access formative and summative assessment materials, rubrics, and evaluation strategies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prerequisite Analysis" icon="chart-bar">
    Identify essential prior knowledge students need before tackling specific concepts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Curricular Connections" icon="link">
    Discover how mathematical concepts connect across different units, topics, and grade levels
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Case Examples

| User Type                   | Use Case                 | Example Query                                                                  | Expected Outcome                                             |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Teachers**                | Lesson Planning          | "What IM activities help students understand equivalent fractions?"            | Specific IM activities, materials, and teaching sequences    |
|                             | Differentiation          | "What prerequisite skills do students need for algebraic thinking in grade 4?" | Learning prerequisites and scaffolding strategies            |
|                             | Assessment               | "How does IM assess student understanding of geometric measurement?"           | Assessment rubrics, formative checks, and evaluation methods |
| **Curriculum Coordinators** | Vertical Alignment       | "How does IM develop proportional reasoning from grades 6-8?"                  | Multi-grade learning progression and concept development     |
|                             | Standards Mapping        | "Which IM lessons address specific Common Core standards?"                     | Standards-to-lesson alignment and coverage analysis          |
|                             | Professional Development | "What's the research basis for IM's approach to teaching multiplication?"      | Pedagogical rationale and research foundations               |
| **Instructional Coaches**   | Teacher Support          | "How can I help teachers implement IM's problem-based approach?"               | Implementation strategies and best practices                 |
|                             | Misconception Analysis   | "What common student errors does IM address in fraction operations?"           | Student misconceptions and targeted interventions            |
|                             | Resource Identification  | "What IM materials support English language learners in mathematics?"          | ELL-specific resources and adaptations                       |

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Which AI models work best with this tool?">
    **Tier 1 Performance (Recommended):**

    * **Claude Sonnet 4.6** - Excellent balance of speed, accuracy, and tool integration
    * **GPT 5.4** - Superior for complex curriculum analysis and detailed responses
    * **Gemini 3.1 Pro** - High accuracy with comprehensive educational content analysis
    * **Gemini 3.5 Flash** - Frontier-tier agentic performance at Flash-tier speed, strong for multi-step curriculum workflows

    **Tier 2 Performance:**

    * **Claude Opus 4.6** - Most thorough analysis but slower response times
    * **Kimi K2.5** - Advanced tool usage with solid educational content handling

    **Speed-Optimized Options:**

    * **Claude Haiku 4.5** - Faster responses with reduced analysis depth
    * **Gemini 3 Flash** - Quick queries for simple curriculum questions

    For most educational applications, **Claude Sonnet 4.6** or **GPT 5.4** provide the optimal balance of capability and efficiency.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does this differ from general AI math assistance?">
    The IM Knowledge Graph Tool provides curriculum-specific, research-based content rather than generic mathematical explanations. It knows IM's specific pedagogical approaches, exact activities for different grade levels, and how concepts connect within the IM scope and sequence.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What grade levels are covered?">
    The knowledge graph includes comprehensive data across all IM360 curricula, spanning elementary through high school mathematics.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How current is the curriculum data?">
    The knowledge graph reflects the 2025 version of IM360, ensuring you have access to the most recent curriculum updates and improvements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I find connections between grade levels?">
    Yes! The knowledge graph excels at revealing how concepts develop vertically across grades, making it invaluable for understanding learning progressions and ensuring smooth transitions between grade levels.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What about content not in IM curriculum?">
    While focused on IM content, the tool provides valuable insights into IM's pedagogical approaches that can inform teaching of related topics. You can supplement with additional knowledge files through Playlab's reference system.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does this support differentiated instruction?">
    The tool identifies prerequisite skills, suggests alternative activities for diverse learning needs, and helps teachers understand the full range of support materials available for each concept.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can administrators use this for professional development?">
    Absolutely! The knowledge graph helps educators understand the pedagogical reasoning behind IM curricula, research foundations for instructional decisions, and best practices for implementation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does this work with existing Playlab features?">
    Yes! The IM Knowledge Graph Tool integrates seamlessly with other Playlab features, including reference files, custom instructions, and existing MCP tools.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need Support?

We're continuously improving this tool based on user feedback. Contact our team at [support@playlab.ai](mailto:support@playlab.ai) for implementation guidance, troubleshooting, or to share your success stories.

***

*Last updated: 08-26-2025*