JACKSONVILLE, AL. — A Jacksonville father has turned a personal challenge into a free educational resource designed to help children build confidence in math.
Brian Harmon created Mathicorn, a math-learning game for children, after struggling to find an app his 10-year-old daughter, Audrey, would enjoy using while practicing multiplication tables. According to Harmon, he wanted an option that was engaging, free of advertisements and behavioral tracking, and focused on learning rather than pressure.
The app is now available free on Apple’s App Store and through a web version. It is designed for children approximately 7 to 11 years old and helps users practice multiplication facts from 0 through 12, along with introductory division.
“I just wanted something Audrey would want to open,” Harmon said. “No scary red X’s, no stressful countdowns, no ads trying to sell her things. Just a friendly game that helps her get better at math without it feeling like homework.”
The game rewards correct answers with virtual coins, sparkles, and collectible companions including unicorns, puppies, and kittens. When children answer incorrectly, the app provides hints and worked examples before revisiting the missed problems later. If several incorrect answers occur in succession, the game presents an easier question to help maintain confidence.
Mathicorn also includes multiple gameplay modes, a Learn Mode that explains multiplication strategies, printable progress certificates, and a parent dashboard that allows families to monitor progress by multiplication table.
Harmon, who also founded aviation-focused ventures Aviate Alabama and AeroPattern, said Mathicorn is his first project created specifically for children.
Privacy was another key focus during development. According to Harmon, the app contains no advertising, behavioral tracking, or collection of children’s personal information. An optional parent account is available only for families who want to synchronize progress across multiple devices.
Mathicorn is available as a free download for iPhone through Apple’s App Store.
