Development of Environmental Health Education Games

PROJECT SUMMARY Improving STEM focused curriculum is a primary objective of the current U S administration and is crucial for ensuring that upcoming generations receive the training and skills necessary to compete in the existing global economy To that end there is an urgent need for additional effective teaching tools able to reach a generation that requires instant access to information and advanced technology Of particular interest to this proposal is the development of a highly effective marketable and interactive educational video game iEVG that focuses on STEM topics and targets th and th grade students the age at which interest in STEM subjects is developed or lost The creation of carefully developed and critically evaluated educational video games is timely and necessary to ensure the promotion of desirable learning principles for th and th grade students The long term goal of our interdisciplinary team of media arts specialists computer programmers scientists writers students teachers and key members of the community is to produce growing libraries of educational video games with immersive graphics and audio challenging gameplay and a well rounded delivery of STEM focused educational content related to environmental health Planning and implementation activities based on our specific aims are as follows Aim Create an educational video game and teacher lesson plan with significant commercial potential that increases awareness of the importance of clean water in human health Aim Evaluate the game for effectiveness in the delivery of STEM educational goals including an increased understanding of lead poisoning watershed dynamics and clean water The creation of an evaluated and highly effective STEM focused iEVG that incorporates the Next Generation Science Standards will provide teachers with an innovative classroom tool that is engaging to the students while improving interest in STEM subjects and increasing STEM knowledge PROJECT NARRATIVE Improving STEM focused curriculum is a primary objective of the current U S administration and is crucial for ensuring upcoming generations receive the training and skills necessary to compete in the existing global economy The creation of a highly effective and marketable STEM focused video game aimed at th and th grade students will provide teachers with an innovative classroom tool that is engaging to the students while improving interest and knowledge in STEM subjects