Thermbot

Learning Focus: Thermal Energy
Funded by a Race to the Top Award
Grade Levels: 6 and 9
Download Temperature  (PC) 

 
Download Waveblaster (PC)

Overview:

The Thermbot modules include both games and curriculum  activities designed to give learners a deep conceptual understanding of the physics of thermal energy at the molecular level, including conduction, convection, and radiation.

Thermbot Measurement module will challenge students to design their own robot’s thermometer and molecular simulator and build fun and engaging games around heat transfer.

Thermbot Radation module will challenge students to link radiation levels to different wavelengths across the electro-magnetic spectrum.

The modules are designed to reinforce rigorous content standards around thermal energy and heat transfer.  Educators consistently cite these topics as being among the most difficult for students to grasp. By linking these concepts to rich and varied visualizations and interactions, the GameDesk design methodology brings students’ common misconceptions to the surface and supports students in developing accurate and transferable knowledge..

Here are screenshots of two current games: Build-a-Bot and Wave Blaster.

Build-a-Bot screenshot (beta)

The GameDesk Team is in the process of building:

4 HIGH QUALITY GAME MODULES FOR THE PC, iPHONE, & iPAD
1. Measurement, Temperature, Scale, and Conversion
2. Conduction
3. Convection
4. Radiation

SUPPORTING CURRICULUM
1. Game Design and Programming Support Materials
2. Integrated Thermal Energy in class exercises and science game instruction

The four modules can be played as a stand-alone gameplay learning experience to teach and reinforce concepts (6th grade), and/or  the games can be designed and programmed with additional and more advanced Thermal Energy (9th grade) science standards embedded into the process. The design and programming modules will contain student/teacher support materials (paper and digital assets provided).

See some of the current Concept and Level Art below.

The games will center around the construction and control of a robot that must master all the critical concepts and procedures that relate to various heat transfer phenomenon.


GameDesk is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research, development, and outreach organization that seeks to rethink learning through play, making, and interaction.

We look to transform the learning experience, help close the achievement gap, and deeply engage students in learning core curriculum.

The organization (originally developed out of research and support at the University of Southern California's IMSC) has now been in development, practice, and/or evaluation for over four years in various schools, learning centers, and homes nationally.