Stellar observation, encompassing the study of star formation, stellar properties, and the governing physical laws, presents a readily accessible topic for many learners; however, many stargazing beginners may find it challenging. By applying the supplemental Gollin effect within animated display and the haptic effect of game-like play with a…

The Joint Educational Project's (JEP) STEM Education Programs at the University of Southern California (USC) present an elementary-level curriculum centered on the science of stem cells in partnership with Dr. Adam MacLean, an Assistant Professor of Quantitative and Computational Biology at USC for the broader impacts of a National Science…

We designed a microbial science popularization product based on virtual reality technology, "Micro World -- Exploring the Microbial Kingdom," and conducted usability tests. Participants used head-mounted VR glasses to experience virtual scenarios teaching microbiological knowledge. The product's user experience was evaluated through a…

Preserving biodiversity is vital, and early education plays a key role in fostering environmental awareness. An Augmented Reality Outdoor Mission (AROM) has been created as an innovative educational tool for children between the ages 7 and 11. AROM combines entertainment and education and is designed to engage elementary schoolchildren and…

This paper presents and discusses the inclusive inquiry-based alternate reality game (IB-ARGI) approach, a pedagogical gamified approach supporting inclusive contemporary educational contexts. The IB-ARGI approach comprises Inquiry-based Learning, Alternate Reality Games, Universal Design for Learning and Augmented Reality technology in order to…

This study attempts to analyze the innovation of learning media in elementary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. This library and field research has the data collected from Google Scholar database concerning scientific articles about innovative learning media in elementary schools during the pandemic. The data were collected using the keyword…

To drive effective change towards sustainable development, several courses of action have been devised, and education was pointed as a way to attain this goal. Recognizing the impact of learning in context, it is essential to develop innovative educational proposals that bring schools into other social contexts. This study aims to present, albeit…

This paper reports the development of a digital escape room for high school students using Genially, a web-based media platform. The escape room was used to aid understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and mostly enhance students' classes participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity entitled "The thalidomide mystery"…

This paper reports research work related to a wider study, aimed at developing a mobile app for Science Education in primary-school. Several studies reveal that Science Education can be improved by using technology, namely educational software. However, to promote a structured use of technology, innovative learning approaches must be designed for…

This paper situates a critical review of studies that we have conducted within the broader research literature to analyze the affordances of integrating modeling within disciplinarily-integrated games from computational thinking and science as practice perspectives. Across the studies, the analyses pursue two themes: (a) the role of agent-based…

This article reflects on a school's approach to gamifying the Royal Society Te Aparangi's First CREST Award. The article explains how CREST was reconceived as a quest using elements of live action role playing (LARP) and gamification, and the tools that were used to do this. It describes how progress was measured using a points system and the…

We report on a design-based research study that was conducted over three iterations. It chronicles the design, development, and implementation of School Scene Investigators, a forensic science game series for middle school students that utilizes mobile augmented reality. Played on mobile devices while exploring the school environment, School Scene…

This study developed a computer-simulated science inquiry environment, called the Science Detective Squad, to engage students in investigating an electricity problem that may happen in daily life. The environment combined the simulation of scientific instruments and a virtual environment, including gamified elements, such as points and a story for…

The research partnership among university faculty, information technology graduate students, and science content experts from school districts developed the Web-based two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual reality science games. The games were implemented to engage middle school students in learning, retaining, and applying newly acquired…

Augmented Reality (AR) technology and games can enhance motivation for learning. When combined with mobile devices, AR technology can promote authentic learning in outdoor environments, such as urban parks. These spaces can be used for Science Education, particularly, for environmental education and nature conservation. The EduPARK project…