Gaming Motivates Math and Science Learning
STEM educators look for classroom resources that can motivate students to apply science and math concepts to real world problems and spark an interest in pursuing a career in science or engineering.
A free online, multiplayer game that allows students to experience the excitement and the diversity of modern engineering may help.
"Power Up," a game from IBM, asks players to save a planet in near ecological ruin. Players take on the role of Engineers, working together designing and building energy solutions to save the world. Players meet Expert Engineer characters and experience the great diversity of the field. Conversations with these experts and engaging interactive activities allow players to explore ways engineers design and build systems to harness renewable energy sources as alternatives to burning fossil fuels.
Players take on the role of Engineers, working together designing and building energy solutions to save the world. Players meet Expert Engineer characters and experience the great diversity of the field. Conversations with these experts and engaging interactive activities allow players to explore ways engineers design and build systems to harness renewable energy sources as alternatives to burning fossil fuels.
"Learning through games and simulation is the way to engage tech-savy students today," Michael Mino, a director with the Center for 21st Century Skills @ Education Connection (one of Connecticut's 6 Regional Service Centers), in an interview with TechNewsWorld. "If we have any hope of saving the 'real world from real problems,' we must embrace teaching students through computer games and virtual simulations."
IBM developed the game with feedback from 200 teenagers in the Connecticut Innovation Academy. There is also an interactive 3-D modeling kit for students.
The Teacher's Guide is designed to be a classroom companion to PowerUp, providing background information for teachers and lesson plans that give students opportunities for more in-depth exploration of science and engineering concepts addressed in gameplay. The lesson plans, designed to be flexible and scalable, follow:
- PowerUp Lesson Plan 1:
Intro To Engineers and Energy - PowerUp Lesson Plan 2:
The Science of Diversity - PowerUp Lesson Plan 3:
Wind Turbine Design and Build Challenge - PowerUp Lesson Plan 4:
Hydroelectric Design And Build Challenge - PowerUp Lesson Plan 5:
Solar Power Design and Build Challenge - PowerUp Lesson Plan 6:
Energy Research Project with Local Focus
Source: "PowerUp" game site, TechNewsWorld, IBM's New 3-D Game Challenges Students to Save a Dying Planet
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Beyond the basics, students will need 21st century competencies to survive and thrive in the future. They will have to know how to think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, understand new ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. School districts are looking for ways to help students acquire these new skills while they also address NCLB mandates.
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