Final Frontier: An Educational Game on Solar System Concepts Acquisition for Primary Schools

Abstract

Science teachers and researchers believe that students' disengagement from STEM area can be overcome by using interactive and fun-based computer educational games in order to support knowledge acquisition through direct experience. This paper presents a research study on the effectiveness of a new interactive educational 3D video game called Final Frontier. The game supports delivery of scientific knowledge on the Solar system to primary school students. A comprehensive case study that involved 30 children was conducted to evaluate the game. The results confirmed that the game supports high learning achievements through an enjoyable and fun learning environment entirely appreciated by children. The vast majority of the students (93%) have expressed their interest in learning other subjects through such an interactive computer game.