What We Make
Possible Worlds is an ongoing, five-part educational series aimed at middle school students. Subjects include photosynthesis, genetics, electricity, energy, and critical thinking.
The digital games are designed to help improve student understanding of phenomena that are often the subject of scientific misconceptions. Developed by the Center for Children and Technology, the games are the centerpieces of modules; each module includes accompanying classroom activities that leverage students’ experiences within the games.
The Ruby Realm | A fun science-adventure game featuring key PHOTOSYNTHESIS concepts across twenty levels of play. Players control a cute bio-fueled robot, Biobot Bob, to create chemical substances and overcome challenges, find treasure, and rescue friends in a cave full of bats and vampires. Click here to learn more!
RoboRiot | An 8-level strategy/adventure game that addresses two GENETICS misconceptions: that the inheritance of traits is not random, and that dominant genetic traits are inherently better or more powerful than recessive traits. A hacker has infected the robots on the planet. Players must build teams of rescue robots from spare parts and use them to subdue and disinfect the rampaging bots. Click here to learn more!
Monster Music | A 20-level platformer/puzzler that addresses the misconception that ELECTRICITY is a substance that flows like water, rather than a type of energy. The game is set in Harmonia, whose odd but industrious citizens love music above all else. So when an alien
invader de-energizes the population, Harmonia’s leading musician decides to create new compositions that will combat the widespread lethargy. Click here to learn more!
Galactic Gloop Zoo | A 60-level puzzle/strategy game that addresses a common misconception about the directionality of HEAT TRANSFER—the player assumes the role of a zookeeper in an intergalactic zoo filled with strange animals from many planets. Newly discovered creatures are about to go on display, but the eggs haven’t hatched yet. The player must warm or cool them, as needed, in order to hatch them in time. Click here to learn more!
No Way! | This classroom activity, a central feature of our modules, offers a fun way for students to develop the CRITICAL THINKING and science literacy skills emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards—skills they’ll need in order to become critical consumers of scientific information and reporting. Moving away from the fantasy worlds of the video games, this game draws students into a compelling real-life scenario in which they are editorial interns at a science-themed website. As part of the editorial team, students must investigate claims in articles being considered for publication on the site. Click here to learn more!
- Audience: Students!
- Platform: Mobile, Web
- Partner: Education Development Center