REES, CAROL
(2015)
Developing Science Literacy through the Heat Game: An Online Role-Playing Game.
International Journal for Leadership in Learning.
ISSN 1929-5499
Abstract
The decline of young peoples’ interest in science and technology education in western
countries is causing concern worldwide. To help change this situation, teachers need to take a
leadership role in designing innovative approaches for engaging students with science learning in
schools. This teacher-researcher action research study examined science literacy learning
opportunities that emerged for grade 7/8 students through engaging in an approach to science
curriculum based on video games. The approach, called the Heat Game, is designed to simulate
for grade 7/8 students a real-world context for their science and technology work. Though online
communication that augments project-based lab work, teacher and students role-play scientists
and engineers working together in a futuristic scenario to learn about heat transfer and design
energy efficient housing for their city. This research study focuses on the conversation between
one student playing the role of Dr Spacey (junior physicist) and the teacher playing the role of
Dr. Boyle (expert physicist). It examines opportunities for the development of Dr Spacey’s
science literacy through this online communication. Findings demonstrate that the Heat Game
afforded Dr Spacey opportunities to increase her science literacy by developing awareness of
science situated meanings of words and phrases, science ways of representing information and
by developing understanding of aspects of the nature of science including: the importance of
evidence and repeatability in science, scientists’ ways of reporting, and peer review. The
implications of the findings for this teacher’s professional practice and for curriculum design in
general are discussed.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
Developing; Science Literacy; Heat Game; Online; Role-Playing; Game; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Social Sciences > Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education |
| Item ID: |
17356 |
| Depositing User: |
Carol Rees
|
| Date Deposited: |
27 Jun 2023 10:51 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
International Journal for Leadership in Learning |
| Publisher: |
University of Alberta Library |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
Repository Staff Only(login required)
 |
Item control page |
Downloads per month over past year
Origin of downloads
Altmetric
Altmetric