Researchers made a game called Virtual Vet for elementary students. Children play as vet helpers and examine two cats, Cookies and Cream. One cat is healthy and the other is slow and heavy.
Players gather information, look at data, and decide what is wrong. The game teaches reasoning and health skills more than memorizing facts. Teachers work with students while they play, and the game gives feedback so students can fix mistakes and try again.
Difficult words
- researcher — a person who studies and tests thingsResearchers
- examine — to look at something carefully
- healthy — having good physical condition or no illness
- gather — to collect information or items
- data — information in numbers or facts
- reasoning — thinking carefully to make a decision
- feedback — advice or information about performance
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to play a game like Virtual Vet? Why or why not?
- How can a teacher help students while they play this game?
- What information would you gather about a sick pet in the game?
Related articles
Band of Holes at Monte Sierpe: an Indigenous accounting system?
New evidence suggests the Band of Holes at Monte Sierpe in southern Peru was part of a pre‑European Indigenous system for accounting and exchange. Researchers used sediment analysis and drone images to reach this conclusion.
