“Periodic Fable Discovery” Using Tangible Interactions and Augmented Reality to Promote STEM Subjects

Abstract

This pictorial presents Periodic Fable (PF), an educational game's design and graphic interface that promotes a constructivist approach to engage young children with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects. The game presents children with scientific content supported with an exploratory activity using physical cubes manipulable through Tangible Interaction and Augmented Reality. The game's objective is to entertain children while engaging them with the basics of chemistry and the Periodic Table. We reflect upon the combination of these immersive technologies, game-play mechanics, and aesthetics geared towards conveying accurate scientific information through a ludic and entertaining approach. The quantitative and qualitative results of a study with 20 children, showed significant positive results in the participants’ learning outcomes and engagement, thereby encouraging us to continue evaluating our design system as a tool that can promote STEM Education.