OOS 8-6
Using gaming strategies to teach students about energy and biogeochemical issues
Funded by the NSF, computer gaming/ simulations were created to explore basic biogeochemical cycles and energy use. These games include: The Carbon Game; The Nitrogen Game; Energy Game; Water Game; and the Watershed Game. Targeted at 6th through 12th grade students these games were designed to be interactive explorations of these crucial concepts in environmental science. Students engage with models to investigate real issues and develop solutions to problems related to these concepts.
Results/Conclusions
Teachers on the design team are conducting Action Research in their classrooms as an initial attempt to evaluate effectiveness of this method of instruction. After this trial period the games and lesson plans will be distributed throughout Illinois and research will be expanded to more classrooms to determine if using the games effectively engages students in these concepts. Preliminary data collected through Action Research by design team teachers shows an increase in positive attitudes towards Science as well as an improved understanding of the concepts.