"Ethics against Chemistry": Solving a Crime Using Chemistry Concepts and Storytelling in a History of Science-Based Interactive Game for Middle School Students

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Dias, D (Author) Other; Ferraz Caetano, J (Author) FCUP; Paiva, J (Author) Other; João Paiva (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Chemical Education

Vol. 98

Pages: 1681-1690

ISSN: 0021-9584

Publisher: American Chemical Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-WJJ

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c01469

Abstract (EN): Designing a science activity for middle school children is a challenging task, especially if it aims to be interdisciplinary. One may ask if it is possible to craft a positive learning experience from different areas such as history of science, chemistry, or ethics. In this paper, we argue it can be achieved if we use the right tools to engage a young audience. A combination of gamification, hands-on activities, and storytelling techniques was successfully used, providing a unique form to approach chemistry and ethics subjects in an "edutainment" format. The result is a game that challenges participants to solve a crime, while addressing chemistry topics to gather pieces of evidence and facing science-related ethical conundrums. In our pilot study, participants evaluated this activity positively, identifying the innovation and entertaining features as the most relevant in their gaming experience.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10