Designing a Computer Game to Teach Einstein´s Theory of Relativity

This paper describes an ongoing project to build a computer application that presents Einstein´s theory of relativity in an interactive game environment. With the current interest in the use and study of how computer games can help teach and educate, so-called ´serious games´, the resulting game is expected to have value for educators in communicating the concepts of relativity to high school students as well as introducing the topic to a wider audience. The focus of this paper is on the initial design and building of an asteroids-styled game and describes features of the physics, graphics and animations, and play mechanics. Directions for future development and studies are discussed.