In the US, low levels of enrollment in high school physics and other elective science courses seem to stem from a much earlier loss of student interest in science. Computer "Edutainment" games for the home market offer new ways to involve and encourage 11-13 year olds to learn basic physics concepts through interactive play. The objective of The Real Stuff II is to develop an adventure game format to make basic concepts of energy, matter, and the electromagnetic spectrum fun to learn. Critical elements include input and feedback from 11-13 year olds and their teachers, development of a story and a user interface with inclusive appeal (i.e., attractive to girls and minority students, who frequently opt out of science early), and clarity of presentation of physical science concepts. Phase I will establish a baseline for 11 to 13 year olds' knowledge of the concepts. Phase II will create a game prototype and test its pedagogical effectiveness and market potential.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:As a home educational product designed for a potential $1 billion per year national commercial market, the proposed game could expand and diversify the technological literacy of the next generation of Americans.
