From the cosmos to the high seas: how UW-Madison educators are using game-based learning
From the cosmos to the high seas: how UW-Madison educators are using game-based learning
From the cosmos to the high seas: how UW-Madison educators are using game-based learning
By Ryan Chen
March 1, 2024
Summary
From an astrophysicist's journey into the cosmos to learning maritime archaeology through shipwreck investigations, University of Wisconsin-Madison educators have designed numerous educational games to aid students in their learning.
Past Field Day Lab projects include a collaboration with the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center to demystify the particles of the universe and a marine biology-focused game where players take on the role of a scientist to explore marine life.
Sarah Gagnon, creative director of the Field Day Lab, told The Daily Cardinal via email that kids often have to learn things "They don't care about." Creating educational games is a way to bridge that gap, Gagnon said.
Many game creators, such as Field Day Lab, are bolstered by grants from organizations like the U.S. National Science Foundation and smaller local organizations.
At UW-Madison, "The Legend of the Lost Emerald," a game designed by the Field Day Lab, received top prize in the educational resources for classrooms category at the 2022 Public Media Awards.
The Field Day Lab hopes for more future collaborations with educators that have visions of utilizing games as part of their curriculum, Reyna Groff, a 2D artist and the director's assistant, said.
Field Day Lab offers fellowships for educators interested in designing a game for practical use, Groff said.
Reference
Chen, R. (2024, March 1). From the cosmos to the high seas: how UW-Madison educators are using game-based learning. From the Cosmos to the High Seas: How UW-Madison Educators Are Using Game-Based Learning - the Daily Cardinal. https://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2024/03/from-the-cosmos-to-the-high-seas-how-uw-madison-educators-are-using-game-based-learning