3 Science Games for Making Connections
Reinforcement of Science Concepts Using Critical Thinking Skills
Feb 22, 2009
Science is a subject which contains many terms and concepts that numerous students find difficult to remember and/or understand. Science is often referred to by many people as learning a foreign language. In some ways this may be true, because science has scores of terms and concepts. Although science is full of sometimes difficult to understand terminology, the use of games to learn science aids students in mastery while having fun.
For many students, anxiety about science is attributed to the amount of terms and concepts. The amount of anxiety regarding science is attributed to a student’s level of understanding and motivation. Strong science anxiety is connected with the need to complete tests and assignments that are based on rote memorization of facts and terms, without context or association for understanding. The use of games in science can assist students in overcoming anxiety.
Science Games
Baseball
A fun way to practice solar system terms and concepts is to play baseball. Prior to class, the teacher draws a baseball stadium on the chalk board from a birds-eye perspective. Teams take turns batting to answer questions related to the solar system. Correct answers result in a base hit. Once a team member gets a hit, he/she places a marker on first base. As long as the team is at bat students continue to place runners on base and advance to score runs. Just like in baseball, 3 incorrect answers equals three outs. Then the next team comes to bat. This is a good way to review science terms and facts.
Variations of baseball include: football, soccer, basketball, softball, and other sports. Any concept can be used as a theme connected to a sport, examples include:
- Football – in this game a team of students have four chances to make a first down (each correct answer is a first down – moving the ball 10 yards) and continue until the team scores a touchdown. Four incorrect answers the ball turns over to the other team.
- Basketball – Periodic Table of Elements: in this variation of basketball horse game, student teams are asked questions about elements in the non-metals Group 17 Halogens. A team is asked questions and each correct answer earns a letter in horse. An incorrect answer and the other team attempts to spell horse.
Concentration
Two students match cards which are placed randomly face down on a table. Pairs of cards have pictures associated with types of energy. Three examples are:
- Potential Energy – pictures of objects in motion
- Kinetic Energy – pictures of objects not in motion
- Energy Transformation – pictures which depict various forms of energy transformation
Each player takes turns turning over two cards at a time. The goal of each player is to find matching cards and the player with the most matching pairs wins the game.
Wheel of Fortune
Students are provided with the number of letters in a phrase associated with a science term or concept. Team members are asked questions related to the phrase. Correct answers result in the chance to select letters to determine to solve the phrase. An incorrect answer and the other team has an opportunity to answer questions to solve the phrase. First team to solve the phrase wins.
Making Connections
The use of games in science involves minds-on science, logic, reasoning, and problem solving skills to complete the game. The challenging aspect of any games in science is to ensure that questions cause students to link terms and concepts with each other to ensure students develop a better understanding. When connections are made in science, students lose their anxiety and become motivated to learn.
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