Brain jam: STEAM learning through neuroscience-themed game development

Abstract

Improving STEM education is currently a national priority, precipitated by the urgent need to develop a STEM-literate future workforce [26]. This study presents a description of preliminary findings from the development, implementation, and examination of an after-school pilot project combining neuroscience education and the creation of playable media for underserved high school students in Hayward, California. The program, developed by university faculty, graduate students and the Institute for STEM Education, is an interdisciplinary and collaborative way to combine neuroscience and design thinking. Drawing on two existing university programs, the CSUEB Game Jam and Brain Bee, it offers an after-school program that is engaging, content-rich, and transdisciplinary. Combining neuroscience and design thinking into STEAM, the program also answers a call by California Next Generation Science and Engineering Standards [21] for increased integration of different disciplines in inquiry-based approaches. The evaluation research study of the Brain Jam project was guided by questions of how this after-school program was implemented and the consequences for student engagement. The study also looked at the growth in science literacy and practice as well as design thinking. Preliminary findings appear to support the effectiveness of this transdisciplinary, interactive, and problem-centered approach. They suggest that "folding together" game design and neuroscience was effective in supporting deeper thinking and understanding, and increased student interest in both disciplines.