Four brand new interactive games are now available to use in your teaching of energy and space to 13-16 year olds. These games are designed to help students to engage with the physics they need to use to solve problems and win the games.
SimEnergy 1
In this game the challenge for players help a family stay warm through the worst winter on record. SimEnergy 1 simulates the factors involved in insulating a building and makes it more fun to learn the physics by taking an enquiry approach. Each round poses a different challenge for pupils to investigate: Round 1- What everyday habits can you change to reduce heat loss? Round 2 – Where is most heat lost from a building? Round 3 – Which forms insulation are the most cost effective? Successful players in round 3 can be awarded an ‘eco-certificate’.
SimEnergy 2
Like ‘The Sims’, you are looking after a family and keeping their home supplied with electricity. In this scenario, the government has set a carbon dioxide quota for each household, so limiting their contribution to climate change. The player has to invest in renewable sources of electricity so that supply can match the family’s demand. Along the way, the player will find out which ones are cost effective and their advantages and disadvantages. The main goal is to survive four months, but you can only install one renewable per month. Your supply from renewables is initially topped up using electricity from the grid, but because of the CO2 quota, this may run out before the four months are up.
SimSpace
SimSpace is a game-based learning resource where players take on the role of space scientists, scouting the skies for Near Earth Objects (NEOs) that may pose a risk to life on Earth. The premise is that planet Earth is overdue a major impact from an asteroid or comet, and players are leading the effort to detect any NEOs heading our way. SimSpace can be played in small groups, by individuals or used in a whole class setting and is accompanied by comprehensive teacher support resources, handouts and suggested lesson ideas
SimSound
In this game, players get the opportunity to style a real, working rock band and work on their recordings. Players are presented with some wrinkles in the recorded sound that they have to iron out. On their way, they will learn how to analyse wave forms and use recording packages (in this case Audacity) to look at, interpret and manipulate sound waves.
Age
12-16
Where can I get it?
Download the games from; http://www.iop.org/activity/education/Projects/simphysics/page_25851.html
Science Games 