Speaking their Language - Using an online game to teach content

I am in no way a video gamer - never have been - and don't have much interest now, though I really did enjoy some of the features and information I explored on Game for Science.  This is a Canadian game site with many options for interactive learning and play involving topics like disease epidemics, genetics and environmental pollution.  In some cases in the "more information" prompts, I was forwarded to articles and documents in French and I could't get to the English equivalent, but for the most part it was really good.  Oh well.  Canada is bilingual after all.

As part of our introduction to biology, we spend time delving into the scientific process, the importance of research that is peer reviewed, ethical conduct and ethical treatment of specimens and other nature of science type of content.  Although there are a multitude of activities on this site, I spent my time on quests in the "Science Cafe" regarding safety and human rights, science and money, ethics and innovation, and science and society.  The game prompts you to listen to and comment on a debate between characters.  Throughout the activity there are questions asked, connections made to scientists which include descriptions of their backgrounds and contributions, and opportunities to engage in additional games or point earning activities.  You end up on a search for a parcel containing a portrait of one of the scientists and on this search travel to other "islands" where other learning opportunities also present themselves.  Though it may prove to be slow for some, the information was quite relevant and and interesting in its anecdotes and format.  I also appreciated the equitable nature of the site and programs with respect to diveristy.

"Create" and "Blend" assignment - Students would participate in one of the quests in the science cafe - 1, 2, 3, or 4.  (Safety and human rights; Science and Money; Caution with Innovation - Ethics and Science; Science and Society). Work through the quest would be independent; however, following the quest, all of the participants would meet in their respective Edmodo discussion group to share their thoughts on the nature of science.  Groups would combine students from each of the gaming cafe areas so that discussion is broad based. 

In the online Edmodo discussion groups, each student must include:

1.  Overview of debate topic from game quest - to share with group members

2.  Definition of Relevant Terms

3.  An example of the topics relates to learning science in the high school setting

4.  Description of at least one scientist, his/her contribution to science, and how his background, experiences or work relate to the topic.

5.  Connection of thier quest topic to another quest topic

6.  Interaction/discussion on each quest topic with other students


Group Assignment

Create a visual presentation of your understanding of the nature of science, incorporating relevant unit vocabulary and clear examples of concepts outlined in your objectives.  The format for this presentation is flexible.  Included below are some links to web tools that may assist in your presentation.   These are simply a place to start.  You decide where to go with it.

http://www.wordle.net/
Create word collage

http://www.worksheetworks.com/miscellanea/graphic-organizers/frayer.html
Good for Vocabulary development - examples/non-examples

http://www.xtranormal.com/
Easy to create - cartoon video discussion

http://animoto.com/
Easy to create videos

http://www.sciencephoto.com/
http://www.biologyimagelibrary.com/
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/selected-internet/imagesources.html
Science images