Mission HydroSci (MHS): A 3D game-based learning environment and curriculum to support middle school student learning of water systems science and scientific argumentation
Intervention Details
Subject
Science & STEMAcademic Program
General EducationDuration
6 to 8 daysGrades
6, 7, 8Personnel
General Education Teacher
Intervention Summary
Mission HydroSci (MHS) is a 3D game-based learning environment and curriculum that targets middle school student learning of water systems science and scientific argumentation. MHS is a rigorous, coherent, and engaging 6 to 8-day curriculum with all learning activities and social interactions taking place in the virtual world and with teachers observing and supporting students through an online support system enhanced by analytics. The program is divided into six units that middle school students on average take 6 to 8 hours to complete. Each unit focuses on a different aspect of water systems science, including topography, watersheds, groundwater, and the water cycle. The program also teaches students how to support claims with evidence, identify warrants, and use reasoning to link evidence with a claim.
Grades
6, 7, 8Personnel
General Education TeacherStatistical Finding Summary
Positive effect on argumentation
No effect on water systems understanding
Negative effect on affect for science and technology
Source
James, L., Sean, G., Thomas, R., Troy, S. & William, R. (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.
Data Sample by Population
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