Researchers at the University of Georgia created Virtual Vet, a video game that helps elementary students build science, reasoning and health skills. The game was developed by a team of designers and programmers and required seven years of testing and three versions before the developers settled on an approach that suited young learners.
Students play as vet assistants and examine two cats, Cookies and Cream. Cream is healthy, while Cookies is sluggish and overweight. Players gather evidence, analyze simple data, and use those findings to explain Cookies’s condition and to recommend ways to improve his health. The game stresses using evidence rather than memorizing facts.
Testing showed students who played the game improved their anatomy knowledge more than students who learned only with hands-on classroom activities. Virtual Vet has six levels with clear learning objectives, requires repeated practice before advancing, and gives real-time feedback so students can correct mistakes. The designers also found they needed to support basic math and literacy before teaching science, and teachers remain central to the learning process. The study appears in Science Education.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies or investigates topicsResearchers
- elementary — relating to early primary school education
- reasoning — thinking process to make logical conclusions
- designer — person who plans and creates a productdesigners
- sluggish — moving or reacting more slowly than usual
- evidence — information used to show that something is true
- anatomy — study of the structure of animals or bodies
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Discussion questions
- How could a game like Virtual Vet change the way science is taught to young students in your country?
- What challenges might teachers face when using educational games that require repeated practice and real-time feedback?
- Do you think teaching students to use evidence rather than memorize facts is more useful? Give reasons or examples.
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