LibGuides: Digital Tools: Game-based Environment

Read About Game-Based Learning

Digital Game-Based Learning: Still Restless, After All These Years

Foldit

Foldit is a computer game that enables participants to contribute to scientific research in protein folding.

Foldit
Created by various departments and labs from the University of Washington, Foldit explores the process by which living beings create the primary structure of proteins. The protein biosynthesis is reasonably well understood, as is the means by which proteins are encoded as DNA. Determining how the primary structure of a protein turns into a functioning three-dimensional structure – how the molecule “folds” – is more difficult; the general process is known, but predicting protein structures is computationally demanding.

Foldit is an attempt to apply the human brain’s natural three-dimensional pattern-matching abilities to this problem. Current puzzles are based on well-understood proteins; by analyzing the ways in which humans intuitively approach these puzzles in the game, researchers hope to improve the algorithms employed by existing protein-folding software. As more players complete more puzzles, the researchers can create a better understanding of these protein structures and craft new medicines to promote better health and cure disease. The success of Foldit comes from the constant feedback between developers and the community and the constant stream of new puzzles.

Geocaching

Geocaching logo Geocaching is the recreational activity of hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website.

NOVA Labs

Evolution | NOVA Labs

NOVA’s Evolution Lab was created to help you explore how you are related to all species and understand the amazing mechanism behind it. The game provides an overview of the evidence for evolution while addressing misconceptions and highlighting case studies about evolution.

Start by building your own phylogenetic trees by analyzing the traits and DNA that characterize selected species. Navigate puzzles, animated videos, and background information to lead you through levels that start out simple and build in complexity. Once you’ve learned how to create trees that capture the evolutionary relationships among a handful of species, you’ll be ready to enter free-play mode to conduct your own investigations in NOVA’s Evolution Lab’s virtual tree of life.

RNA | NOVA Lab

Nature’s best kept secret is a wonder molecule called RNA. It is central to the origin of life, evolution, and the cellular machinery that keeps us alive. In this Lab you’ll play the role of a molecular engineer by solving RNA folding puzzles. Then take your skills to Eterna, where you can design RNAs that could be at the heart of future life-saving therapies.

Cloud | Nova Lab

Covering some 70 percent of Earth's surface, clouds play a key role in our planet's well-being. But how do they form, why are there so many types, and what clues can they give us about the weather and climate to come? Try your hand at classifying clouds and investigating the role they play in severe tropical storms.

Energy | NOVA Lab

For something we use every day, energy is a pretty mysterious concept. This Lab investigates what energy is, how it can be converted into useful forms, and why some sources are running low. In our Research Challenge, you'll use scientific data to design renewable energy systems for cities across the U.S.—and compete with others to see whose designs can produce the most power.

Sun | NOVA Lab

Despite its apparently steady glow, the Sun is a churning mass of superhot plasma that regularly produces powerful flares and storms that can knock out power and communication systems on Earth. This Lab explores what makes the Sun so volatile and gives you access to the same data, images, and tools that scientists use to predict solar storms.

PeaceMaker

PeaceMaker is inspired by real events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Be a leader and bring peace to the region before your term in office ends. PeaceMaker is two games in one: play both the role of the Israeli Prime Minister or the Palestinian President. Play the news: how would you react to the events in the Middle East presented using real news footage and images?

PeaceMaker

Plague Inc: The Cure

SYNOPSIS

Can you save the world? Take control and stop a deadly global pandemic by any means necessary. Allocate resources to boost testing capacity, make facemasks compulsory, lockdown countries or investigate experimental treatments in Plague Inc.’s biggest expansion ever!

Created with the help of world health experts from all over the world including the WHO, CEPI, and GOARN, Plague Inc: The Cure is an engaging and timely simulation of a global disease response.

Games for Change

Games for Change
Games for Change curates digital and non-digital games that engage contemporary social issues in a meaningful way. The list below contains over 150 games from the Games for Change Community including past G4C Awards nominees and winners. Some games are free to play and others have fees that can be paid on external sites.