Creating an Interactive Environment for Learning Microplastics VIA a Board Game at the Museum

Abstract

A Museum is an important place to promote science literacy for people. Recently, museums have developed educational materials and exhibits for learning and raising awareness of global issues. Microplastics have become a global environmental issue. A board game has been used to implement many environmental problems effectively. This study, therefore, aimed to develop a board game with simple simulation in a spreadsheet to create an interactive environment to learn about microplastics and their impact on the environment. The developed board game was implemented at the natural history museum in Thailand with six undergraduates studying life science who voluntarily participated in the study. The multi-answer questions, mind map, and worksheet were used to assess the understanding of microplastics when the participants completed the first game. Data from observation of the participants’ interaction during the game was also used to support the result. Data pointed that the participants gained some information from the action and information provided in the board game. Participants could clearly state the sources of microplastics. They also demonstrated the knowledge of microplastics’ cause and effect on living organisms and how to manage microplastics concentrations in the environment. However, the concept of a microplastic pathway was missing, which would be discussed.