Murder, mystery, game: a novel approach to science writing

Author

Jennings, Ann S.

Author_Institution

Houston Univ., TX, USA

fYear

2001

fDate

2001

Firstpage

285

Lastpage

291

Abstract

Student creation of an interactive, science murder mystery game can result in accurate and coherent writing that describes scientific facts and principles. The activity capitalizes on various forms of learner motivation and on the benefits of interactive multimedia games. In addition, it requires students to think out a scenario and many permutations, provides exercises in logic and linking, demands the analysis of motives, and necessitates the construction of a narrative. That narrative stimulates students´ powers of invention regarding causes, effects, conclusions, and solutions. The game assignment offers students the opportunity to use presentation software and to assemble a lively, colorful project

Keywords

computer aided instruction; computer games; multimedia computing; natural sciences computing; technical presentation; Lagniappe; interactive multimedia games; interactive science murder mystery game; learner motivation; linking; logic; motive analysis; narrative; presentation software; science writing; scientific facts; scientific principles; student creation; writing; Assembly; Brain cells; Computational modeling; Electronics packaging; Forensics; Games; Joining processes; Logic; Toxicology; Writing;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Professional Communication Conference, 2001. IPCC 2001. Proceedings. IEEE International

Conference_Location

Sante Fe, NM

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7209-3

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/IPCC.2001.971575

Filename

971575