Bridgehampton teacher makes math fun with video game monsters

Since joining Bridgehampton High School in 2010, math teacher Jeff Neubauer has striven to be the kind of educator he always wanted as a student.

He has made his classroom “a place kids would want to be,” by playing music, offering food incentives around lessons and even creating an algebra-based video game.

“The curriculum that needs to be covered before June can be a little stale so I’ve looked for ways to reach students in fun, creative ways,” he said. “When you get to know the kids more, you learn what they really enjoy. They love gaming, they love socializing.”

Last year, through a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, Neubauer began exploring using AI as a creative tool.

He used ChatGPT and Gemini to turn Regents questions and common exam topics into a competitive trivia game for a history class he co-teaches. The AI tools generated the code based on his instructions, which included a reward system and leaderboard. Students took to it immediately, playing against each other on Saturday nights, with 14 participants answering a combined 6,000 questions.

This year, he’s taken it to the next level by creating “Golden Hive Academy,” a first-person algebra-based video game set in a simulation of the school and campus. As part of their homework, students navigate the map to disable AI robots that have taken over the school, completing math challenges along the way.

So far, he said, it’s a hit.

“I’m still a pen and pencil guy in the classroom, but in special education, I’ve found that technology is something they really gravitate to and feel comfortable in,” said Neubauer. “It just needs to be approached the right way.” 

Finn Alversa, a 10th grader in Neubauer’s Algebra I class, said the game changed how he views math.

"It’s more fun, competitive, and interactive," he said. "It can be something you actually enjoy and look forward to instead of something you just have to get through.”

Neubauer, 49, of East Quogue, earned a undergraduate business degree from Pace University, but later fell in love with teaching through tutoring and earned a master’s in education from Mercy College. He taught in Westchester County, where he grew up, prior to starting at Bridgehampton.

Neubauer also involved students in a shark-tagging event at the Long Island Aquarium, after which they helped analyze data collected from a recording device attached to a tiger shark for 24 hours. He has also served as a board member for the nonprofit Paddlers for Humanity for the last 12 years, raising money for initiatives like a school coffee business run by special education students.

“Whether it’s a student, teacher or staff member, Jeff is always willing to step up, share his knowledge, and find a way to help,” said John Reilly, a social studies teacher. “He creates an environment where students aren’t afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, or take chances. Over time, that builds their confidence — not only in math, but in themselves as learners.”

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