Science Hunters: Teaching Science Concepts in Schools Using Minecraft
First author: HobbsYear: 2019
Abstract
Science Hunters is an outreach project based at Lancaster University, UK. It uses the computer game Minecraft, alongside interactive discussion and hands-on demonstrations, to engage children with scientific research topics and science learning. As part of ongoing evaluation, the efficacy of this approach as an educational intervention was tested via pre- and post-activity questionnaires for two session topics, with 492 children participating through schools in 2017 and 2018. Statistically significant improvement in subject knowledge was seen in post-intervention scores for both topics. There was some variation in both absolute and improvement score results between boys and girls, and primary and secondary school students. Participation leads to improved subject knowledge and understanding, regardless of prior existing knowledge.Details
Language: EnglishCountry of affiliation: United Kingdom
Published in: ARISE – The Journal of Action Research and Innovation in Science Education
Publication type: Journal article
Source: https://doi.org/10.51724/arise.23
Games
No Results
Franchises
No Results
Studies
Description: Questionnaire before and after pedagogical experience
Research type: Quasi-experimental
Data type: Quantitative
Comparator: none
Control group: no
Pilot study: no
Pre/post measures used: yes
Follow-up: no
Sample type: Players
Sample size: 223
Power analysis: yes
Sample countries: United Kingdom
Games studied: Minecraft
Franchises studied: Minecraft (F)
Study outcomes: Knowledge