K-12 NLM Games: Reinforce Science Concepts and Supplement Curricula

Posted by Carolyn Martin on September 7th, 2016 Posted in: Public Libraries, Technology, Training & Education

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Over the years NLM  talked with hundreds of science teachers of all grade levels from all over the country.  These teachers were asked what they wanted from NLM resources. Since science concepts can be difficult to understand and to remember many of these science teachers requested animated videos or games to help supplement their curricula and help students better understand concepts of science using a method they would find enjoyable. Whether wanting to pair DNA or learn about chemicals, these games offered by NLM are a fun and creative way for students to better grasp concepts and reinforce learning.

Bohr Thru: 3-match style game which requires users to collect and organize protons, neutrons and electrons in order to create Bohr models that represent the first 18 elements on the periodic table, such as Carbon, Nitrogen and Lithium. With the help of the main character, Atom, players become familiar with a variety of chemical elements and their structures. Teachers can easily implement short, in-class game sessions to enhance their students’ understanding of the periodic table.

ToxInvaders:  Players learn about chemicals and the environment by engaging in an interactive shooter game to protect the environment from toxic chemicals.  Quizzes are taken to progress between levels. A detailed tutorial is included. Available for iPhone and iPad.

Base Chase: Learn the bases of DNA with this fast-paced, educational app. Players grab bases of DNA in order to complete unique DNA strands for a variety of animals. DeeNA, the game’s cartoon mascot, assists players in completing each of the required tasks. The game includes a helpful tutorial. Available for iPhone and iPad.

Run4Green: The importance of environmental conservation is reinforced through this interactive, slide scrolling game. Topics, such as greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy and green product purchases are emphasized throughout game play. Playing as a jolly, green and earth-shaped character, users collect coins and perform environmentally friendly tasks. The game is appropriate for students in grades 5-8. Available for iPhone and iPad.

ToxMystery: This interactive learning site, is designed to help kids age 7 to 10 find clues about toxic substances that can lurk in the home. With lively animations, surprising sound effects and lots of positive reinforcement, ToxMystery provides a fun, game-like experience, while teaching important lessons about potential environmental health hazards. Children visiting ToxMystery have an able guide in “Toxie” the cat, who helps find the hazards hidden in each room and offers hints when needed. The objective is to find all the hazards– in the living room, bathroom, garage and other areas. Ever seen a cat…dance? Players will be treated to that spectacle and more when they identify all the hazards in a room. When all the risky spots in the house have been discovered, Toxie delivers an animated celebration, and players can print a personalized certificate of completion. ToxMystery’s “Parent Resources” page provides more detailed information about everyday environmental hazards that can be harmful to one’s health. A “For Teachers” page contains more than ten downloadable activity pages that can be used in elementary school classrooms. An added bonus is that ToxMystery is also in Spanish. Spanish teachers can use this interactive program to help reinforce students’ language proficiency. Check out ToxMystery at https://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov/

Tox Town: This is an another interactive website regarding the environment. It focuses on hazardous chemicals in our everyday environments and targets students in grades 6-12. Tox Town uses color, graphics, sounds and animation to add interest to learning about connections between chemicals, the environment, and the public’s health. While taking a virtual stroll through six different environments (city, town, farm, port, US border regions and US Southwest), visitors can click on various places to learn about the hazards each might pose in non-technical language. Tox Town illustrates a range of environmental health issues including smog, asbestos, drinking water pollution, pesticides and more. The site features an accompanying curriculum, “Discovering the Connection: Your Environment, Your Health,” which can also be used as an after school science club. Visit at https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/ and learn more about environmental health.

If you want to know more about these learning tools you may want to watch our recently recorded PNR Rendezvous session with Andrew Plumer from the National Library of Medicine where he focused his presentation on these games as well as some animation resources.