Gamifying education: is it good or bad?

As education moves into a deeper technological vein, educators are becoming more aware of introducing video games, or at least their principles, into classroom management strategies. This is called gamification, the process of utilizing elements of game playing, such as competition, point scoring, and progressive levels, in other systems or activities to increase or improve engagement. Education has certainly welcomed gamification strategies in various applications, from actual game play with content to behavioral and grading frameworks. We will briefly review a few of these concepts and their implementation in the classroom.

Motivation through gamified self-assessment

With the foundation of any class, there are grading systems to track student progress and content mastery. Teachers who use gamification give students control of their grades, allowing students to score points by completing tasks. Some of these tasks include reflection of the work that they have completed and cooperative learning with other students. There have been positive results from this form of assessment and students tend to be more engaged when gamification grading systems are utilized.

Exercising agency in a safe space

Games themselves have made their way into the classroom, supporting both the investigation of content and its assessment. Many games explore how content is applied to real world situations or virtual worlds where students navigate concepts either based on the content or use the content to navigate. Not only do these games enable a deeper understanding of topics through “real world” application, but they can also help learners experience trial and error in a safe, controlled space.

Fun, interactive assessments

Teachers also have access to a wide variety of gamification assessments, like Kahoot! or Quizlet, which allow students to interact with others while evaluating their level of understanding of the content being taught.

A new space for sportsmanship

Probably the most cutting edge and deep implementation of gamification is the introduction of esports. Across the country, schools are hosting teams to play online games, ranging from academic driven competitions to video games of soccer-playing vehicles. These teams promote sportsmanship and give students of all backgrounds the opportunity to compete in various levels of competition. In many states, interscholastic leagues are adopting esports rules and regulations, creating a solid foundation for this new platform of sports.

While many of these concepts create environments supportive of students' growth within diverse communities, like any other piece of technology in the classroom, it is still just a tool to drive education and should not be the end all, be all of how content is delivered and assessed. With these tools added to an educators belt, it opens doors of opportunity to be inclusive of all students and introduce STEM components in new and novel ways.

Go deeper into the topic of gamification in education by visiting the Science Mill this month! Experience its potential for yourself through exhibits like The Energy Game, Giant Lever, and Mindball. Reserve your tickets here or purchase them at the door!

The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

We invite you to explore our site, learn more, and visit us in Johnson City, Texas.

Constellations according to different cultures

Humans across the world live under one sky and see the same stars — and yet, each culture views the night sky differently. The beliefs, customs, and worldview of the culture are reflected in the patterns they identified, and the names they assigned each constellation.

What is a constellation?

A constellation is a group of stars that form a distinct pattern that has been given a name. At present, there are 88 “official” constellations that astronomers use to map out the sky, but naming constellations is a practice that dates back to early human history.

Historically, constellations serve a number of cultural functions:

• As a calendar, especially for agricultural purposes, as the appearance of certain constellations indicate the season or time of year

• As a way of navigation, especially for seafaring peoples

• As a way of preserving and communicating stories about their culture

One of the brightest stars in the night sky, Betelgeuse forms a part of the modern constellation Orion, named after a Greek figure known for supernatural strength. But this star is seen in various ways by other cultures.

For instance, Navajo culture sees Átse Ats'oosí (First Slender One) where others see Orion. Similarly, this constellation, which represents a bow-and-arrow-wielding warrior in their culture, is a symbol of protection.

To the Japanese, Betelgeuse is called Heike Boshi, and forms a part of a constellation known as the Investigator. This constellation occupies the same area as Orion, but has a different pattern that, together with the star Rigel, represents the story of a legendary war between two families that was fought with honor. This story continues to be passed down the generations as a reminder of the importance of duty, sacrifice, bravery, and loyalty.

The same case is true for Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Most famously, Sirius forms a part of the constellation Canis Major, or Large Dog, but other cultures form very different patterns with this star.

For more in-depth comparisons, check out this interactive visualization of the night sky according to different cultures created by astronomer Nadieh Bremer.

You can also learn more at the Constellation Tubes activity at the space-themed event Lift Off! from the Mill! happening on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29, 2023! Reserve your tickets today!

Why plant food forests?

Food security has always been a priority in human civilization. The challenge of nourishing a growing human population is one that farmers, scientists, and policymakers continue to address every day.

On a small scale, one solution to localized food security is to create food forests. Unlike a garden, food forests are diverse, self-sustaining ecosystems composed of mostly food-bearing plants. They can provide a resilient source of food that requires minimal inputs while promoting biodiversity and soil health. These human-designed food forests take inspiration from actual forests as designed by Mother Nature, as these natural ecosystems are full of life, sustainable, and require no human intervention to thrive.

Where gardens are usually only composed of one flat layer of vegetables, food forests simulate the verticality of forests to create a highly diverse ecosystem. Typically, food forests are composed of seven layers, though depending on scale, it can be a little less and still function the same. These layers are:

• Canopy, composed of large fruit and nut trees

• Understory, composed of dwarf fruit trees

• Shrubs, such as blueberries or currants

• Perennials, or herbaceous plants

• Soil surface, composed of ground cover crops like creeping thyme

• Soil/rhizosphere, composed of root crops

• Vertical layer, composed of climbing vines

Because of the biodiversity created by this layering, many of the problems that come up in traditional gardening or agriculture are self-addressed in a food forest. For example, the environment of a food forest attracts bugs that prey on common pest insects, eliminating the need for pesticides and reducing damage to the vegetation. This same diversity attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies which are essential for the healthy reproduction of many food crops.

A major environmental benefit of food forests is their ability to sequester carbon. Trees are known to be excellent carbon sinks, and food forests can sequester even more carbon than traditional forests due to their high plant diversity and density. In addition, food forests can help to mitigate climate change by reducing the need for transportation and storage of food, as the food is grown and consumed locally.

Another benefit of food forests is that they can help to conserve water. The deep roots of trees and shrubs in a food forest can help to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation. Additionally, the diverse range of plants in a food forest can help to prevent erosion and improve soil health, which can further reduce water consumption.

In terms of social benefits, food forests can promote community building and education. Food forests can provide a space for community members to come together to learn about sustainable agriculture practices, share knowledge and skills, and build relationships. Additionally, food forests can provide opportunities for education about nutrition and healthy eating, as well as food preparation and preservation.

Finally, food forests can promote economic development by providing a source of income for farmers and small-scale producers. Food forests can produce a wide range of crops, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs, which can be sold in local markets or used for value-added products such as jams and preserves. In addition, food forests can promote ecotourism, which can generate income for local communities.

These are just some of the great reasons why the Science Mill is developing its own food forest in the heart of Johnson City, Texas. Designed as a self-sustaining food forest and an aesthetic, educational space where kids can learn about sustainable agriculture and nutrition, the Science Mill food forest will be the newest addition to the interactive science museum. Stay tuned for its grand opening this year!

From feed mill to the Science Mill: a brief history

Did you know that the Science Mill is housed in a historic 1880s feed mill in Johnson City? The mill, originally established as a steam grist mill and cotton gin by J.P. Johnson, had a significant impact on the economic development of the town, and has served as a community landmark for decades.

In transforming the building into the Science Mill as it is today, much care and attention was given in ensuring that much of the original structure was kept intact. This is the Science Mill’s way of honoring the history it is proud to build upon.

The silos that used to store grain now serve as unique spaces for one-of-a-kind exhibits like the Light Loom, Dig In!, and Cell Phone Disco.

Once separate structures have been artfully connected with walkways that create a sense of cohesion while retaining the distinct energy of each studio, giving visitors a smooth but dynamic experience.

Learn about the building’s history through the A Mill in Time exhibit. Science enthusiasts and history lovers will surely find the Science Mill a worthwhile visit! Come drop by the museum from Wednesday to Sunday!

The Science Mill, only an hour from Austin or San Antonio, is a high-tech science museum in Johnson City, Texas, Established in 2012, the museum is home to over 50 interactive exhibits, and has helped provide high quality, accessible STEM programs for children all over the state. Learn more about the Science Mill’s impact here.