Graduate Student University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming
Abstract: Games provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between K-12 education and fundamental research. Beyond providing expertise during game development, researchers can increase effectiveness of these tools by ensuring that they address core science standards and assessing their effectiveness in mastery of those standards. In collaboration with programmers, artists, and educators, and based on ongoing research, we built an online video game to explore the effects of climate change on bumble bees. We developed a lesson plan built around the game and then assessed the effectiveness of this approach using pre- and post- surveys. This study encompasses 13 science classes ranging from freshman biology to AP biology. To evaluate the utility of the game in teaching science standards, we compared game scores, short answer, and multiple-choice questions, paired with confidence assessments. Results suggest that game-based learning can be a valuable tool for scientists to broaden the impacts of their research and increase understanding of science topics in classrooms.
