We know how to use quizzes to support knowledge retrieval. We often aren’t as good at applying that knowledge, which is the key purpose of learning it. This is especially true when practical work is, well, impractical.
For example, my year 6 pupils know all about the circulation system, but I’m not about to let them operate on anyone. Or am I?
Over Christmas, I’ve been having fun writing a text adventure game. It’s based on the (terrible) 1960s film ‘ Fantastic Voyage’.
In my game, you are a medical nano-robot injected into a patient’s bloodstream to clear a blood clot. You need to use your knowledge of blood flow to achieve your mission before your battery runs out. It takes about 5min – but you might need several attempts.
If you’d like a go, it’s here: https://interactivesciencestories.neocities.org/
I’d be very happy if you could give me feedback too – both on how the game plays and also whether you think it would be a worthwhile use of class time.
Thanks – and happy New Year!
Ben
Reading for Learning 