Engaging in Game-Based Family Discussions to Promote Science Inquiry

• In Event: 35.074 - Digital Literacies and Technology

Abstract

The pilot study used a qualitative design to explore the types of science discussion generated during gameplay of the “Family Science App,” a multiplayer, game-based app developed through the Ready to Learn (RTL) grant (USDOE, 2016) by Twin Cities PBS, aimed to encourage science inquiry and engagement between children and their family members. Nine family groups comprised of 1-4 children and 1-2 adults engaged with the app in 30-minute sessions. Data from the study suggests the game provided families with opportunities to engage in science inquiry, and that the game supported player engagement and discussion within a variety of family group configurations. A future implementation study will further explore the types of discussion generated through gameplay.

Authors

• Michelle Tiu, WestEd

• Momoko Hayakawa, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Dennis Ramirez

• Rosanne Luu, WestEd