Lava is Magma Math’s smart, real-time hintbot designed to support pupils as they work through maths problems. Instead of just marking answers right or wrong, Lava offers gentle, targeted hints that help pupils think critically and build confidence - all without giving away the answer.
Who is Lava?
Lava is the first line of feedback for pupils in Magma. After their first incorrect attempt, Lava jumps in with helpful nudges that encourage pupils to rethink their work and try again.
When Do Pupils See Lava?
Lava shows up during assignments (not quizzes)
You can now disable Lava in assignments: just de-select the Allow Hints option when creating an assignment
Available for pupils in years 4–12, P5-S6
Activates after a pupil’s first incorrect response
What Kind of Feedback Does Lava Give?
Lava feedback may include:
Hints or questions that guide pupils toward rethinking their approach
Suggestions to check a specific part of their work (e.g. units, number signs, calculation steps)
Prompts to try a new approach or strategy
Lava helps pupils self-correct and develop a deeper understanding of the math concepts at hand.
Limitations to Keep in Mind:
Lava is a great tool but not perfect. It’s meant to complement, not replace, teacher feedback. Teachers should continue reviewing work and providing guidance where needed.
Why Lava Matters
We know pupils learn best when they can explore, reflect, and problem-solve on their own. Lava is built to:
Encourage independent thinking
Provide support without giving away answers
Turn mistakes into meaningful learning opportunities
Tips for Teachers
Encourage pupils to read and reflect to Lava's feedback.
Use Lava hints as discussion starters during class.
Remind pupils that it’s okay to make mistakes: Lava is there to help them learn from them