About the Intervention
Mission HydroSci (MHS) is a 3D game-based learning environment and curriculum designed for middle school students (grades 6-8) to support learning of water systems science and scientific argumentation. The program is a rigorous, coherent 6 to 8-day curriculum where all learning activities and social interactions take place in a virtual world. Students progress through six units covering topics including topography and water flow, watersheds, dissolved materials in surface water, groundwater systems, the water cycle, and culminating problem-solving challenges. The curriculum is delivered one-on-one with computers (Windows or Mac systems with 8GB RAM and headsets) in blended learning classrooms or technology laboratories. Teachers observe and support students through an online support system enhanced by analytics including a teacher dashboard. Teachers complete 2-3 hours of online training to prepare for implementation and have access to a teacher online community for ongoing support.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on argumentation
Positive effect: on argument structure
No effect: on water systems understanding
No effect: on watersheds
No effect: on groundwater
No effect: on water cycle
No effect: on argument alignment
No effect: on argument critique
No effect: on affect for science and technology
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
Goggins, S., Laffey, J., Reeves, T., Romine, W. & Sadler, T. (2020). Distance Learning through Game-Based 3D Virtual Learning Environments: Mission Hydro Science. Evaluation Report for Mission HydroSci (ED605283). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED605283.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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