Computer Games in a Science Fiction Novel to Learn Climate Change Science

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Design and Assessment of Learning With Technology

Abstract

This project, called Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE), helped high school students learn complex Global Climate Change (GCC) science by making it personally relevant and understandable. CHANGE created a prototype curriculum, integrated it into elective Marine Sciences high school courses, and tested its efficacy. CHANGE used: (a) scientifically web-based science fiction novel with computer games, about future Florida residents and (b) hands-on science laboratory activities, local, place-based approach grounded in Florida Gulf Coast using scientific data. The project worked with four teachers in three high schools, but will be expanded to 27 high school Marine Science teachers in 25 schools in Florida. This paper discusses two pilot studies on two curricular units, using this “intermedia” approach.

Authors

• Glenn Gordon Smith, University of South Florida

• Allan Feldman, University of South Florida

• Molly Trendell Nation, University of South Florida

• Yiping Lou, University of South Florida

• Yi-Hsin Chen, University of South Florida

• Connie Walker, University of South Florida

• Ping Wang, University of South Florida

• Metin Besalti, University of South Florida