Free to Play, Web-based Learning Tool Filled with High-Energy Science Curriculum
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – New York, – It is widely acknowledged that around fourth grade, students’ interest in science plummets, as do their test scores. The reason, in part, is that the experiments and observations of nature so prominent in the early grades, give way to lectures and lab reports in the upper elementary and middle school grades. In a word, students become bored.
To stem the tide of apathy toward science and make it exciting, memorable and most importantly, relevant, Tabula Digita, developer of the award-winning DimensionM educational video games for math, is releasing its first immersive online science game series. Called “The League of Scientists,” the series is being offered for free to students in grades three through five and is meant to help students build their knowledge base. Teachers can send it home as extra credit, use it as an independent activity in class, or even in science clubs.
Introduced at the 2009 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in Washington, D.C., the free-to-play, two-dimensional educational gaming creation was developed in partnership with the Monsanto Fund and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Designed with young learners in mind, The League of Scientists allows students to compete against each other in a series of multi-player games, constructed around a robust, standards-based, and engaging science curriculum.
The League of Scientists currently includes four interactive games: Lab Rat Race, Beaker Blast, Butterfly Boss and Circuit Center, with additional games planned. The science content was provided by ISTE and can be selected based on a teacher’s desire to introduce or practice life science, earth and space science, or physical science concepts. In addition to creating their own avatars, students will collect points with each correct answer that can later be redeemed for science-related equipment and gizmos to trick out their virtual science labs. They will also have the opportunity to earn “power up points” to demonstrate their mastery and gain an advantage in the game.
“We are catching students right at the point when in engagement in science fades” said Ntiedo Etuk, chief executive officer and co-founder of Tabula Digita. “By providing a fun, out-of-school method for students to build and review their knowledge, we hope to keep science fun and engaging for students.
Its concept and tools excited teachers who viewed ‘The League of Scientists’ before its release. They felt the games were interactive and fun while still reinforcing basic science concepts. They also noted the games were a good alternative to worksheet and text book learning.
“We know that students are engaged by interactive games and that teachers are excited about the using them to supplement learning inside and outside the classroom,” said Don Knezek, ISTE CEO. “That’s why we were pleased to be a partner in this project, developing the content for the League of Scientists and launching it at NECC. ”
About Tabula Digita
Tabula Digita is the world leader in the development of innovative educational video games. Research-based and aligned to state standards, the award-winning DimensionM and League of Scientists instructive tools currently support math and science curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students. Through its fusion of collaborative, content-rich, immersive learning environments, Tabula Digita’s single and multiplayer products have been proven highly effective in increasing student engagement, time on task, and achievement scores.
visit www.DimensionM.com.
About International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. www.iste.org
For more information, visit www.monsantofund.org.
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